 NEW BUILDING TAKES
CLIMATE
CHANGE
INTO ACCOUNT by Rhonda J. Miller
YMCA Sailing
Center - Camp Fuller Turner Point, South Kingstown, RI
KZLA and Oyster Works
As
debate and warnings about climate change swirl, some architects are
creating Rhode Island buildings that incorporate elements to address what
has turned out to be the most talked-about environmental issue of the
21st century.
"The
new YMCA Sailing Center on Turner Point is close to 14 feet above sea
level," said Andrew Baer, principal in the Charlestown-based
architecture and design firm Oyster Works. "Both
the sailing center and the marine-biology center are (designed to be
built) on a grade beam foundation that will allow flood waters to flow
underneath the building, without harming the building."
Oyster Works designed the master
plan for the YMCA Camp Fuller at Turner Point in South Kingstown, a
complete redesign and rebuilding of the facility, with the first phase of
construction expected to begin in the fall.
"The building design anticipates the impact of
climate change, specifically the chronic changes brought about by rising
sea levels and the catastrophic impact of major storms - storms that are
forecast to increase in both frequency and severity," said Baer.
The
coeducational summer camp is located on Point Judith Salt Pond in the
village of Wakefield in South Kingstown. The new design connects
the sailing center and the marine-biology buildings by covered porches.
Camper tent cabins, staff cabins, classrooms and offices are part
of the master plan.
Oyster Works has examined building
codes and best practices in New Orleans and South Florida, areas hard hit
by hurricanes, and incorporated those practices in the firms architectural
designs, said Baer.
Elevation
is the most visible part of the climate-change confronting design of the
sailing center.
Within
the walls another critical element is built in - a growing practice
more common after hurricane - devastated communities have dealt with
soaked interior walls and insulation, often resulting in structural
damage and health hazards from mold.
The
rain screen is an air space behind the exterior siding. It's open
at the bottom, with a screen. When rainwater from severe storms
penetrates the outer wall, the rain screen provides a channel for water
to get out before in enters the inner wall, or the building.
"A
rain screen is part of the best practices in Florida, and I've seen it
done in Massachusetts, although it's probably not commonly done in New
England yet, said Baer.
The
new buildings at Camp Fuller are designed to withstand wind gusts of up
to 138 mph.
Boardwalks
are part of the design to preserve the sensitive ecosystem on the salt
pond.
We
need to have a longer-term focus when it comes to climate change,"
said Baer.
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