AIA Rhode Island, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects honored Northeast Collaborative Architects (NCA) with a design award for the Fort Adams Redoubt/Jail in Newport, R.I. The annual competition celebrates outstanding works of architecture from Rhode Island architects and honors the project teams and clients who work with them.
“NCA advocates sustainable building practices and believes that good design and site planning inherently minimize and eliminate negative impacts on the environment while seeking the best solutions to balance environmental concerns with aesthetics and efficiency,” adds John Grosvenor, AIA. “We encourage the implementation of energy conscious design with all our projects.”
Constructed between 1824 and 1856, Fort Adams is a National Historic Landmark and one of the largest coastal fortifications in the country. Working as the architects for the Fort Adams Trust, NCA has orchestrated more than six million dollars of restoration and rehabilitation work including site and safety improvements, interpretive facilities and the restoration of the earthen ramparts, green roof, north casements, youth barracks and redoubt jail.
Fort Adams Redoubt Jail was awarded the 2012 Merit Award in the Historic Preservation category. The restoration project is among the first State owned historic properties designed to meet United States Green Building Council’s LEED standards. The original single-story, masonry structure was constructed in 1845 and a guard room was constructed in 1869. A wooden second story was constructed in 1880 to provide more cells and offices. A storm demolished this level around 1945.
The redoubt jail sat abandoned near the East Gate and main parking area and all tours passed by it in its derelict condition. Unused for over 50 years, Fort Adams Trust and NCA envisioned a building that could be a restored jewel announcing the resurgence of Fort Adams. The second story addition was restored based on historic photographs and plans, with that story becoming Fort Adams Trust’s administrative offices. The jail on the first floor is used as a museum, while the guard room is now an assembly/education space.
Sustainable Design elements include native and low-maintenance landscaping,
double-paned, low-E energy efficient windows, propane-fueled, radiant floor heating and low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints and coatings.
NCA’s work at Fort Adams also earned the Doris Duke Historic Preservation Award, AIA/RI Honor Award, RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission Preservation Award, Newport Historical Society Preservation Award, 2004 Preserve Rhode Island Design Award, and Preserve Rhode Island Merit Award.