Elmwood Community Center

West Hartford, CT

Details: Gymnasium, indoor track, weight and fitness areas, locker rooms; Multipurpose event and meeting spaces, classroom and study spaces, art and dance studios; Youth programming, teen center, senior center, health services, emergency management; Pursuing LEED Gold and Energize CT certifications

Owner: Town of West Hartford

Services: Programming, Site Analysis, Community Involvement, Sustainable Design, Interior Design, Full Design Services, Construction Administration, Building Information Modeling

A unique place that celebrates the West Hartford community, the building will serve the needs of all residents through flexible, yet purpose-built spaces that accommodate large and small groups and host residents of all ages for recreation, wellness, social, and educational programming.

Inspired by the diverse specimen trees and topography of the site, the building nestles into the land. Shaped by the site’s prominent ridge line and tree canopy, the design connects the site's two parcels, creates outdoor program spaces, and strengthens the existing characteristics and charm of West Hartford’s Beachland Park. Views to the park are prominent from within the center, creating further connections and encouraging exploration.

Like the trunk of a tree, program wings radiate from the center’s central hub. The building form allows for the functional separation of spaces, such as the senior center and library, while maintaining a connection at the building’s core. The gymnasium, sunken into the steep grade, navigates the existing topography on site and connects to the other recreation spaces in Beachland Park.