Armitage Pavilion


Armitage Pavilion
The Armitage Education Center Pavilion is the careful synthesis of a multitude of latent forces and disparate geometries. A once overheated and underused western facing patio tucked into a neglected corner of the client's headquarters building has been transformed into a welcoming new entry sequence and a cool shady place to gather, protected from the intense winds of the plains. A simple material palette of earth and reclaimed timber was used to construct the pavilion. Due to the limitations of budget and materials, a novel double cantilever scheme with connecting cables was utilized to span the existing patio and provide ample shading. A series of rammed earth walls reinforces the primary entry axis while framing views to the prairie beyond and buffering winds. Two raised platforms fan out from the walls in either direction to serve as speaking platforms during outdoor teaching events or informal seating to enjoy the surrounding natural environment.
Year: 2014
Location: Lawrence, Kansas
Course: Arch 509 Designbuild Studio
Instructor: Chad Kraus (Dirt Works Studio)

Students: Ragan Allen, Phillip Boucher, Nicholas Colbert, Connor Crist, James DeFries, Michael DeFries, Matthew Everest, Vincent Graceffa, Chandler Hanna,  Brittany Hodges, Andrew Kloppenburg, Shira Kohn, Michael LaVanier, McKenzie Liebl, Erin McFarland, Jared Pechauer, Ariel Peisen, Taylor Pickman

Partner/Client: Kansas Biological Survey

Structural Engineer: Apex Engineers

Vendors: Westar Energy Green Team, Hamm Quarry

Awards: Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design; American Institute of Architects Kansas Design Honor Award, Student Category ​​​​