The Harry Parker Community Rowing Center has revitalized a neglected section of the Charles River in Boston, United States. The innovative and sustainable design of the boathouse earned the Harleston Parker Medal in its first year of eligibility.
The project consists of two buildings. The smaller one is a pavilion with glass tiles used for storing boats and equipment. The exterior of the main building is clad with NATURCLAD-W maintenance-free timber panels in a Pale tone, custom-cut and machined to fit the operable shutter system and folding vents that efficiently reduce energy consumption.
The façade is functional while evoking the aesthetics of the surroundings. The natural timber recalls the traditional covered bridges and tobacco barns of New England, while the building’s surfaces transform according to the movements of the sun and the users around the boathouse. These movements reflect those of a rower navigating the neighboring Charles River.
