LOCATION
Walpole, Massachusetts
A flexible prototype treatment facility that combines efficient industrial performance with a contextual architectural design adaptable to multiple brownfield sites.
This facility was designed to house groundwater and surface water treatment systems along with the operational support spaces necessary for long-term site management. Program spaces within the building include offices, an analytical laboratory, and staff support areas such as restrooms, all organized to support efficient facility operations.
To maximize constructability and adaptability, the primary structure utilizes a prefabricated metal building system. Exterior materials—including metal wall panels, cement panels, and trim—were carefully composed to create a more contextual and approachable architectural character than is typically associated with utility infrastructure.
The design draws inspiration from the simple form and detailing of traditional agricultural barns, informing the building’s massing, color palette, window placement, and architectural detailing. This approach created a prototype capable of blending into a variety of community settings while maintaining durability and cost efficiency.