LLB Architects worked with our client to develop a feasibility study for a 7-story mixed use building in an urban Providence neighborhood. We met with our client to understand the desired scope of the project. We developed a design that would suit the surrounding neighborhood and achieve the developers proforma requirements, within the constraints of a challenging site. LLB produced schematic designs for an 84-unit apartment building with a mix of studio and one-bedroom units. The first floor was envisioned to encompass both commercial spaces and amenities for the tenants. A Girder Slab structure and City Lift parking system were incorporated in the design to maximize the use of space. A set of renderings within the neighborhood context were developed for the client and project investors.
Providence Mixed-Use Building Feasibility Study
June 29th, 2023East Bay Residence
June 23rd, 2023LLB Architect’s New England Modern design philosophy, tempered by the overarching goals of resilience and site specificity, shaped every aspect of the built project. Views, prevailing winds (both summer cooling winds and winter storm winds), and solar orientation guided the composition and relationship of the programmatic parts. The siting of the new structure on the footprint of the prior house limited the environmental impact, while native plantings and rain gardens improved water conservation and management.
The main two-story spine of the house, expressed with a classic gable roof, is set parallel to the coastal waterway to afford prime views from the main living spaces and bedrooms. A one-story volume intersects the main spine at an angle and contains the most social spaces – kitchen, living, and dining rooms. This volume is articulated by a copper-clad shed roof that cantilevers out on the south and west sides. These deep overhangs shelter the interior of the glass pavilion from the strongest summer sun. A stone-clad fireplace punctuates the west façade of the pavilion and expresses the vertical and horizontal integration of the site.
The resulting geometry creates an intimately scaled entry on the neighborhood side with a progression to more expansive spaces on the ocean side, at the same time forming natural eddies and sheltered outdoor rooms. A series of stone retaining walls merging with and emerging from the stone-clad base of the house, combined with terraces, boulders, gardens and natural landscaping, further root the structure into the landscape.
The grand staircase fits within and follows the resulting angles introduced by the pavilion form. From the initial view in the entry hall through to the ocean, the perspective expands as one ascends the stairs to the Crow’s Nest, located two stories above grade, which provides a cozy perch to enjoy panoramic views.
The house is equipped with a geothermal system which runs off 20 wells providing heating and cooling of the space. Efficiently divided into numerous specialized zones throughout the house, the heating operates both through radiant underfloor heating as well as through air handlers.
A focus on resiliency is found both in the bones of the house as well as in its materials. Designed to withstand the high winds of the waterfront location, the home was designed with a primary steel structure. The materials selected for the residence were chosen both for durability and low maintenance: Alaskan Yellow Cedar shingles, Spanish Cedar shiplap siding, copper, natural stone, painted cedar trim, reclaimed pavers and local stone. Windows and glazing are impact-resistant, thermally reinforced, and low iron.
The house benefits from tremendous solar and daylighting effects, but shading is key too. Large areas of glazing, especially in the one-story living/dining/kitchen space allows light to flow through the space. Architectural design combines with mechanical shading to mitigate harsh light and unwanted solar gain. A dramatic six-foot overhang on the west side shelters the interior of this living space from the intense summer sun.
Plastic Surgery of Southern New England
February 23rd, 2023
LLB Architects was engaged to renovate the second floor of an existing office building in Fall River, Massachusetts for the Plastic Surgery of Southern New England. This growing business was seeking a tastefully designed contemporary space which would welcome patients to their practice. The client requested a distinct minimalist appearance that resembles the atmosphere of an art gallery with a “Industrial Modern” expression.
Our team created minimalist spaces yet imbued them with a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere for patients and staff. The patients are greeted by a large moss wall that also provides a natural color accent in the neutral color scheme in the waiting room. The geometry of the reception desk is fused with the angled wall that leads into the clinic, accentuated by the aluminum laminate cladding that is applied to both the casework and the wall.
An all-glass door at the entrance to the clinical space provides secure access while emphasizing the visual continuity between the spaces. Ceramic floor tiles, used uniformly in all the “public” spaces, further underline the continuity. The two tile colors delineate the spatial configuration in conjunction with the ceiling, both in the racetrack corridors and in the waiting room.
Rounded drywall corners surround the clinic’s support core helping with wayfinding and replicating the form of the reception desk. Portions of the corridors are equipped with a professional grade artwork hanging system to display a changing array of photography and art prints.
Matching the minimalist expression of the space, the lighting scheme uses small linear fixtures throughout and is configured to underline the spatial organization of the rooms.
Groundbreaking for Sagamore Landing
November 17th, 2022A groundbreaking was held on November 2nd for the new Sagamore Landing Business Park in Fall River, MA. LLB Architects has worked with owner and developer Dwight Silvia on several projects and was pleased to help design a modern development for commercial clients in Fall River. Senior Principal Christian J. Ladds, AIA, Principal Jonathan M. Taylor, AIA, and Designer Peter Fauci, Assoc. AIA are providing LLB’s professional services and took part in the groundbreaking.
LLB crafted detailed renderings for the new development which were unveiled at the groundbreaking. Learn more about the project in the press release from the owner.
Putnam Public Library
July 13th, 2022
LLB Architects worked with the Town of Putnam on a study for a new municipal facility that included a Town Hall and Library, as well as considering a separate site for a Senior Center. Ultimately, the Town decided on a single building to serve the diverse needs of the town hall, Putnam Public Library, Aspinock Historical Society, and senior community of Putnam within a one municipal community center.
The Putnam Public Library is the shining star of the new Putnam Municipal Complex. Aligned with the main entrance to the municipal complex, the Library welcomes visitors to explore it light-filled spaces. A bright, open floor-to-ceiling glass wall faces the historic downtown of Putnam and connects the space to directly to nature. The Children’s Library features bright colors and a whimsical window pattern overlooking the Town Green. In the adult section, an undulating wood ceiling is reminiscent of the Quinebaug River and the mills that helped found the Town.
To keep the Complex sustainable, the building was designed with the most efficient building systems, high recycled-content carpeting, low VOC paints, and expansive windows and glazing to take advantage of natural daylight and views. All on a single level, the complex is completely accessible for staff and visitors.
New Arts & Athletic Center for Community Preparatory School
April 13th, 2022
LLB Architects is excited to share designs for Community Preparatory School’s new Arts and Athletic Center which will provide a gymnasium, arts facilities, and a much-needed community center for the school. At approximately 11,000 sf, the new building will have the capacity to host the school’s entire community – around 700 people –– all together for the first time!
Serving as a multi-purpose gathering space for Community Preparatory School’s full network of students, teachers and families, the new Arts and Athletic Center will fulfill and significantly expand extracurricular activities. The versatile building will feature indoor basketball and volleyball courts, an art gallery and display walls, performance and backstage production area, along with extensive storage space. The gymnasium can also be used for seating for up to 240 people together at circular tables for meetings or meals. Gathering for graduations and other celebrations, as well as for school-wide shows and athletic events is important for this tight-knit community.
LLB is proud to have a longstanding relationship with Community Preparatory School, an independent school for grades 4-8 in Providence that serves culturally and economically diverse students who benefit from a rigorous academic education in an atmosphere of mutual respect. LLB has supported the expansion of the Community Preparatory School campus over the past 14 years through master planning, assistance with the purchase and closure of Somerset Street to create a playing field, and an addition to their existing building. The new Arts and Athletic Center building is a major milestone in completing the Community Preparatory School campus.
Worcester Public Library Redesign Complete
August 16th, 2021A major renovation of the Worcester Public Library is now complete, including a new front entry and a totally reimagined interior. The renovation features the latest in library design and technology, along with world-class spaces for children and teens. A ribbon-cutting was held at the Library on Thursday, August 12.
LLB Architects designed a new entrance on the north side of the Worcester Public Library facing the City’s main Common and connecting the library to the City’s revitalized downtown. Previously visitors entered either from the parking lot, located at the rear of the library, or using a side entrance. A visually appealing new marquee invites visitors into a welcoming, spacious first floor with a view down the central axis of the building from front to back.
The interior renovation of the Library added 8,000 square feet of space to the first floor by converting an exterior covered walkway into usable space. The ground level gained program elements new to the building, such as an Innovation Center, Media Lab, and quiet study rooms of various sizes. Teens now have their own dedicated space within the library and access to the latest technology offerings to assist with their studies and creative interests.
A signature element of the renovation is the Children’s Room which was relocated to a more secure location on an upper level. Heralded by Library and City leaders as a dynamic world-class destination for families, the Children’s Room combines playful elements to spark imagination with iconic imagery from the City of Worcester. A rocket ship provides seating for quiet reading time. Silhouettes of triple decker houses grace the end of stacks. A starry sky graphic curves across the ceiling while underfoot colorful carpets and projected light visuals of Worcester’s smiley face icon guide patrons through the space.
LLB Architects led an experienced team of engineers and contractors through a complex renovation which worked around the continued use of the Library by library staff and the public. Design concepts were developed working closely with the Library staff and board of the Library as well as representatives of the City of Worcester. The Library’s patron visits are expected to increase from the current 600,000 per year, engaging more of the local community and contributing to the continued revitalization of downtown Worcester.
Seven Hills Charter Public School Feasibility Study
August 6th, 2021In 2019, LLB conducted a study for The Learning First Foundation’s Seven Hills Charter Public School in Worcester, MA. The school sought to verify the viability of purchasing and renovating an existing property. The study consisted of two parts: an existing conditions assessment of the existing five-story building and the associated site and a feasibility study to explore the fit of the school’s program. In addition to reusing the existing building for the main classroom program, the feasibility study included an exploration of building a new gymnasium on a surface parking lot across the street.
Upon completion of the Existing Conditions Assessment Project and the Feasibility Study Project for the Learning First Foundation and Seven Hills Charter Public School, LLB was selected to continue to the design phase of the renovation project. When originally constructed, the building was used as a school but had since been converted for office use. The goal was to convert the five-story building back into a school for grades K-8.
The project included the design of science laboratory classrooms. LLB worked with Seven Hills Charter Public School to develop designs that suited both educational goals and a tight budget. The first design suited the educational goals but had significant costs. LLB was able to reduce laboratory costs while still finding creative means by which to meet the client’s program objectives through collaboration and flexibility. The resulting scheme was achieved by reducing casework to essential locations, revising wall layouts to reduce new construction costs, and strategically placing services. Upon completion of the schematic design phase, it was determined that the site was not suitable for the School’s desired function. LLB continues to work with the Foundation and the School on a new site in Worcester.
RISD Counseling & Psychological Services and Health Services
July 9th, 2021
LLB Architects worked with Site Specific on a gut renovation of one floor of a downtown Providence building to house RISD’s Counseling & Psychological Services as well as Student Health Services. The fast-paced project was completed over 4 months in a design-build delivery method.
Prior to the design stage, LLB conducted a conceptual fit study of the space to determine whether it was suited to accommodate the Health Services division. Meetings with user groups helped inform space needs and allowed LLB to develop a program that reflected desired spaces.
During the design phase, LLB programmed the space collaboratively with directors of both the Health Services and Counseling & Psychological Services which were previously in separate locations. Two distinct types of spaces were needed. Counseling spaces required acoustical privacy and warmth, hominess and a view to the exterior. Health spaces required cleanliness and organization. Other needs were for administration of records, private calling areas, and staff meetings requiring security.
LLB designed treatment rooms in collaboration with the Health Services Director. Existing Health Services equipment was documented and relocated. LLB collaborated with the Health Services Director and RISD’s Purchasing Department to itemize the required supplemental equipment. The finish materials chosen, space layout, and equipment locations maximize efficiency and convenience, and promote hygienic practice. Flow through the spaces was designed with the privacy of visitors and staff as a key objective.
U.S. Coast Guard Academy Strength & Conditioning Center Nears Completion
February 16th, 2021Renovations to Roland Hall at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy are nearing completion as partner Site Specific finishes up construction. The new Strength & Conditioning Center will assist Coast Guard cadets in their fitness routines and greatly expand their training facilities. Hear from some current students and take a tour of the facilities which are made possible by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association.
The new Emlen Tunnell Strength & Conditioning Center is named in honor of the former U.S. Coast Guard who received the Silver Lifesaving Medal for heroic action, and then went on to be the first African American inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Learn more about Emlen Tunnell and his impressive accomplishments.
