Daily Archives: August 26, 2010

If there’s a magical time to visit New England, it’s almost here, as the transition to autumn provides the opportunity to witness a visually spectacular natural process- the changing of fall colors.  During  the several peak weeks in September and October, the natural landscape becomes dominated by vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow.

Within this extraordinary setting, picturesque towns and villages and traditional architecture provide a context that creates a sense of time, place and authenticity.  This meaningful relationship between the natural and built environments underscores the relevance of historic preservation, a key topic in the dialogue of sustainable architecture today.

A personal favorite example of adaptive reuse (using an existing structure for a new function or purpose) is the building below, located in Quechee, Vermont, adjacent to the Ottauquechee River.

This masonry building was renovated in 1981 by Simon Pearce, an Irish glassblower who brought his craft to the states and converted the 19th century woolen mill to a glassblowing factory.  The renovation included the addition of a restaurant and retail space, as well as the incorporation of a new hydroelectric turbine, tucked beneath the building to utilize the site’s natural resources to provide power to the factory.

Back outside, the cantilevered addition of the Simon Pearce Restaurant provides architectural contrast to the existing design language and responds to its unique site, creating a truly dramatic dining experience, especially when the expansive window wall is open, further enhancing a connection to the natural beauty of the site.

www.simonpearce.com

Hovering over the rushing waterfall, the dining room design highlights the connection of old and new and exposes original materials to maintain a strong sense of place, rooted in history and community.  The fantastic restaurant uses seasonal local ingredients from nearby farms.

The workshop has been producing its own electricity for over 25 years and guests are encouraged to take a look at the equipment that harnesses the energy of moving water, as well as visit the workshop and learn about the art of glassblowing.

www.simonpearce.com

This inclusive, education-focused approach is consistent with the company’s philosophy and commitment to innovation within the context of tradition and history.  The importance of craft, function, longevity, and local production is evident in the beautiful pieces created by these artists and seeing the process is just as inspiring…

Learn more about Simon Pearce and the history of the Mill at www.simonpearce.com.

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