Folded Rowing Hub

Folded Rowing Hub is a sports and recreational facility located on the edge of a lakeside park in upstate New York, designed to serve a university rowing program. It organizes six pitched-roof volumes in a continuous, corner-to-corner arrangement that frames two internal courtyards spaces that anchor circulation and foster social gathering.

Each volume supports a distinct function: boat storage, repair bays, locker rooms, workout spaces, offices, and a communal lounge with kitchen. The courtyard system enables flexible movement; athletes can cross programs seamlessly, while visitors follow clearly defined public paths. One courtyard connects directly to the lakefront dock, reinforcing the building’s relationship with water and rowing.

The project emphasizes material honesty and construction feasibility. Each structure rests on a concrete base, with vertical pine siding and zinc-clad roofs. Skylights and large picture windows are strategically positioned to maximize daylighting. Inside, white-painted wood A-frames, columns, and beams are fully articulated, creating a clean yet expressive structural rhythm. Radiant floor systems and natural ventilation are incorporated to reduce mechanical load.

Every architectural detail, from roof assembly to façade layering, has been studied for real-world buildability. The materials were chosen not only for their performance but also for their availability and contextual resonance with the natural setting.

Visually, the repeated gable rooflines establish a rhythmic, recognizable presence from the water, while the warm materials and internal courtyards maintain a grounded, human scale. The result is a high-performing athletic facility that merges utility with architectural clarity.

Folded Rowing Hub proposes a spatial language for movement, community, and craft, aiming to create an adaptable model for sports infrastructure rooted in context, construction, and collective experience.