The What Cheer business in historic Olneyville, Rhode Island seeks to expand its flower processing operation and increase community outreach. The project involved providing an in-depth proposal for a new building that would meet these needs. The proposal includes program organization, observing zoning ordinances, ensuring egress meets code, and specifying structural and HVAC layouts. Special attention was to be paid to the building envelope culminating in a detailed wall section showing all applicable layers.
Our groups design built upon my early site design sketch (left). We sought to capture the spirit of gardening with the facade design. Panels will be constructed from thin sheets of Zinc and stainless-steel fasteners. Keen eyed readers will see it is similar to my screen design. The facade acts as a rainwater collector, directing water downward into reservoirs for irrigation. Structurally we opted for standard concrete on metal deck to support the heavier facade. Elevated solar panels are installed on the roof and on the adjacent historic building to provide near 100% required energy for the site. Further planting can be done via an accessible rooftop garden.