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PLAYARTS

Early Childhood Education
Adaptive Reuse, Deep Energy Retrofit
4,500 SF
Philadelphia: Fishtown

The ‘Front & Thompson Public Bath’ was built in 1907 to provide citizens with centralized access to hygienic bathing facilities. It was strategically located at the crossroads of three neighborhoods: Fishtown, South Kensington and Northern Liberties. Today, the structure is reimagined as a locally grown, play-based arts and enrichment center for child cognitive development. In addition to the main space for adventure-play, the program includes classrooms for art, music and dance instruction as well as a small cafe. Preservation and sustainability were key to the project’s mission. The design team focused on deep energy savings, long-term durability, low embodied carbon materials and a high level of indoor air quality.  With a goal of Net Positive Energy, a future solar photovoltaic panel array will generate approximately 105% of the facility’s energy use. PlayArts represents a return to the era of holistic community thinking while advancing the push to healthy building restoration in Philadelphia.

PlayArts Rendering

PROJECT STATS

Passive House Principles


Building Metrics

Energy Use Intensity: 30.53

Building Envelope

Slab On Grade: Existing to remain

Above Grade Walls: R-21

Roof: R-42 / R-49

Glazing: Triple-pane windows and doors

 

Building Systems

Power / Fuel Source(s): All electric

Energy recovery ventilation

Appliances: Energy-Star

Solar ready 
Foam-free assemblies

Project Team

Builder: Steve Yutzy-Burkey

Structural Engineer: Larsen & Landis 

MEP Engineer: Hutec Engineering 

Photography, Exterior: Dave Apple 

Photography, Interior: Kristen Zubriski

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