Harriman Wins Six Academic Design Awards for Four Projects in Maine

Harriman is proud to announce that it has received six design awards from American School & University and LEARNING BY DESIGN for academic projects at Colby College, University of Southern Maine, Maine Academy of Natural Sciences at Good Will-Hinckley, and Wentworth Intermediate School, all located in Maine.

“These honors acknowledge Harriman’s comprehensive knowledge of 21^st century learning,” said Clifton W. Greim, P.E., president and CEO of Harriman. “At Harriman, we recognize that today’s classrooms must allow educators to meet emerging educational needs by creating an engaging environment that welcomes collaboration, incorporates digital literacy, and inspires critical thinking skills. We tailor each project to create high performance buildings that inspire learning with excellent use of design and sustainability features.”

Harriman’s K-12 and Higher Education studios represent what is important and special about communities throughout New England. Experienced staff integrate architecture, interior design, engineering, and planning services to create an efficient collaborative process resulting in high performance buildings that inspire discovery and the exchange of knowledge.

Colby College, Miller Library, Waterville, Maine

• American School & University Educational Interiors Showcase Outstanding Design Award

The renovation of Colby College’s Miller Library created a timeless environment updated with modern amenities in a historic building. The entrance, lobby and main reading room were restored to their original architectural character. The overall library layout and circulation pattern were revised, requiring significant modifications to the load-bearing masonry structure. Custom wood display cases, bookshelves, wainscoting, and trim complement new interior finishes, LED lighting, and mechanical and electrical systems. Overall, 72,300 SF of the 94,250 SF library was renewed.

University of Southern Maine, Bailey Hall Science Laboratory, Gorham, Maine

• American School & University Educational Interiors Showcase Outstanding Design Award

The University of Southern Maine’s Bailey Hall Science Laboratory design provided an adaptable layout to accommodate a range of science disciplines, including geoscience, earth science, chemistry and physics. The 4,650 SF renovation included perimeter stations, fume hoods, and movable modular bench tops to support both individual and group experimentation. Sheet vinyl flooring, steel laboratory casework, stainless steel fixtures and high pressure laminate panels were chosen to support a high-tech look while being durable, functional and easy to maintain. Technology enhancements include the ability to project video from multiple sources including fume hood cameras, lab benches and the instructor’s demonstration station.

Maine Academy of Natural Sciences at Good Will-Hinckley, Hinckley, Maine

• American School & University Architectural Portfolio Outstanding Design Award
• LEARNING BY DESIGN Outstanding Project Award

The historic preservation project at the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences at Good Will-Hinckley took a 110-year-old building, which had stood empty for 40 years, and created an energy-efficient and sustainable environment capable of accommodating an anticipated enrollment growth from 46 students to more than 200 students within five years. Located in Central Maine on several hundred acres of wilderness, organic farmland and river frontage, the school’s program is tailored to introducing students in grades 9-12 to careers in farming, forestry, sustainability, alternative energy and other related fields. The original 12-classroom school was renovated and an addition allowed for five new, state-of-the-art classrooms and lab space, creating a total of 23,580 SF.  The building was designed to an energy usage level approximately 30% less than conventional educational buildings, thanks to a highly insulated envelope and energy-efficient mechanical and lighting systems. Daylight was maximized in the design, and 267 photovoltaic panels were installed. Storm water runoff is collected and utilized in the adjacent hay fields.

Wentworth Intermediate School (Grades 3-5), Scarborough, Maine

• American School & University Architectural Portfolio Outstanding Design Award
• LEARNING BY DESIGN Outstanding Project Award

The new Wentworth Intermediate School exemplifies a technology-rich academic setting with its innovative Learning Commons structure that welcomes creative, interactive learning. The rich array of technological features includes a community lab, video lab, small group rooms, a Makerspace, and interactive classroom whiteboards that connect to 1:1 student tablets. There are four STEM (science, technology, math, engineering) labs and an organic teaching garden to integrate with the school’s curriculum, culture, and food program. Sustainable design elements include an innovative geothermal heating and cooling system supplemented by natural gas and projected to save $70,000 on annual energy costs. Natural materials create a warm and welcoming character and represent the flora and fauna of the nearby Scarborough Marsh, a frequent site of student ecology projects. Wentworth Intermediate is the latest addition to the well-organized central town campus and designed for year-round community use. The Parks and Recreation Office operates on campus and brought new school and summer programs to the district. The school accommodates 800 students.