The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, New York by Becker + Becker

Article source: Becker + Becker

This project consists of an extensive renovation and addition to the internationally renowned environmental institute’s headquarters.  The project re-envisions and updates the forward-thinking aspirations of the visionary 1978 design by Malcolm Wells, a founder of the green building movement.  Over the 42 years since this innovative project was lauded widely in the architectural and general press as a trailblazing exemplar of sustainable design, its solar thermal roof and geothermal systems failed and were lost to renovations that subverted the original intention for the building to embody the Cary’s environmental values.

Aerial, Image Courtesy © Seamus Payne

• Architects: Becker + Becker
• Project: The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
• Location: Millbrook, New York
• Photography: Seamus Payne

Aerial, Image Courtesy © Seamus Payne

Today, the low-lying structure once again gathers daylight from monitors in its saw-tooth roof. The building perimeter is revealed after 6’ of bearmed soil were removed from the building’s perimeter and replaced with a higher performance, less obstructive insulation. This allows for expansive views out to the surrounding landscape through windows at eye level, offering an intimate rapport between the work happening indoors and the ecosystems outdoors. The efficient solar-powered electrical and mechanical services were carefully selected and coordinated to further the project’s ecological agenda, using efficient and generative systems to minimize the project’s impact while assuring comfortable, flexible interior conditions.

The reinvention of the Cary Institute headquarters, the first step in a planned expansion of scale and impact of activities, has been transformational. Adding only 670 feet of office space to the building, the number of offices, and workspaces, have been greatly increased, allowing the institute to grow into this space. Staff, Board members, donors and colleagues have noted the remarkable change in the building, its increase in light, flexible meeting spaces, and the way in which the building has become a serene, effective workspace. Moreover, the provision of highly ergonomic workspaces for everyone in the building, and the high quality of furnishings chosen for every staff member assures a healthy works space and equity across staff.

Exterior Building Entry at Dusk, Image Courtesy © Seamus Payne

Exterior Building Entry at Dusk, Image Courtesy © Seamus Payne

Coming out of the pandemic, the building has proven to be a strong attractor for staff and scientists from around the world, to bring them back to an inherently collaborative workspace.  The building also fulfills Cary’s mission, with exceptional energy efficiency, solar energy powering the building, and remarkable air exchange making the building healthy and economical. Cary staff and Board members are extremely pleased with the adaptive reuse, and reinvention, of Malcolm Wells’ early passive/active solar building, a historically important building.  Furthermore, the new Cary Institute headquarters recycles the original foundations and structural system which, while 48 years old, continues to provide a flexible framework for the institute’s evolving needs, technologies, and priorities. Renovations were completed in a manner that will easily allow future adaptation and innovation.

Exterior Pre Dawn Hard, Image Courtesy © Seamus Payne

Exterior View from Approach, Image Courtesy © Seamus Payne

Interior Conference Room, Image Courtesy © Seamus Payne

Interior Entry, Image Courtesy © Seamus Payne

Interior Hallway, Image Courtesy © Seamus Payne

Interior Hallway, Image Courtesy © Seamus Payne

Interior Huddle Room, Image Courtesy © Seamus Payne

Interior Lab, Image Courtesy © Seamus Payne

Interior Library, Image Courtesy © Seamus Payne

Interior View down Hallway, Image Courtesy © Seamus Payne

Image Courtesy © Becker + Becker

Image Courtesy © Becker + Becker

Image Courtesy © Becker + Becker

Tags: Millbrook, New York

Categories: Institute, Research Station

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 4th, 2023 at 7:58 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.