Bronx Charter School
New formed metal facade and white box for a new school
Palette has transformed a once foreboding, monolithic brick building into a dynamic and modern space for a new charter school. Originally constructed in 1969 as a senior center and child care center, the 41,000 SF, six-story building was unsafe due to several construction defects. The project expanded from the original scope of replacing the primary facade to include the replacement of all facades, structural reinforcement of the steel frame, additional moment frames, spray fireproofing of open web joists, and replacement of the elevator. The new design approach involved opening up both the street-facing and rear yard facades with more glass. On the primary facade, the design creates a contemporary pattern of formed metal panels. The metal panel system serves as a rain screen, and the shallow contour amplifies lighting effects, creating constant movement and depth across the facade without breaking the zoning envelope.
A New Playful Facade
The design of the new street facing facade employs red, folded aluminum patterns to form a strong grid that places a clear visual order to the facade. A repetitive pattern of tapers creates a subtle dynamism that shifts when viewed from different angles and under different lighting conditions. A thin naturally finished aluminum eyebrow lines the underside of the horizontal tapers, giving additional depth and providing an accent to the geometric pattern.
Challenging Existing Conditions
The existing building had an imposing street presence, with its massive, unarticulated facade, and symmetrical stair bulkheads on projecting high above its corners. Because the original was designed with few window openings, much of the facade was occupied by misaligned partitions and unmovable building system components. Early studies during design revealed that the majority of the new facade would need to be opaque to accommodate these conditions. The selected design scheme employed a strong grid with alternating opaque and transparent infill patterns to navigate these conditions without sacrificing an orderly and intentional appearance.
Kit of Parts
With costs and constructibility in mind, the facade was designed with a limited kit of parts. The goal of the design was to create a restrained presence on the street, that rewarded closer examination with a complicated and dynamic pattern. This was achieved by using a cruciform shape, formed from 4 panel types, that repeats along a diagonal pattern. Through multiple iterations, the panels were refined to create their effects using a simple taper and a narrow eyebrow. The grid panels form tapered arches at the base of the facade, creating larger and more inviting openings to the street. A double height glass wall marks the main entrance to the building.
Interior White Box and Other Facades
The building is currently white boxed. Part of the work included correcting deficiencies in the fire protection of the existing structure. Additionally, the other three facades were reclad in stucco, taking the opportunity to dramatically increase the number of windows along the rear facade. The elevator was extended to serve the roof.
- Location Morris Heights | The Bronx, NY
- Client 200 W Tremont LLC
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Collaborators
Structural Engineering | Silman
Demolition and Structural Stability | Hanson Becker Engineering
MEP Engineering | Basic Groups - Size 41,000 SF
- Status Completed
- Photography Jody Kivort
