Housatonic River Museum

The Housatonic River Museum was designed as the first net-zero building in the Northeast, reflecting its mission to preserve the river's history and ecology. Located in historic Wahonah Park, the structure frames a new axial approach to a historic grandstand. The roof's gabled wave-like form, rising from north to south, recalls the roofscape pattern of its low-rise residential context. The Museum's program consists of galleries, offices, circulation, support and outdoor space. To achieve net-zero status, the design incorporates energy-saving features such as daylighting, green roofs, a wind tower and cowl, a rainwater harvesting system and graywater reuse. Energy is produced via photovoltaics and geothermal wells.