First Unitarian Society Meeting House Addition

The objective of this 20,000-square-foot addition to a national landmark designed by Frank Lloyd Wright was to maintain the integrity of the original structure while expanding the space and staying true to deeply held environmental values. The result is formed by two gently curving arcs that focus geometrically on the historic building. Rather than mimic the original design, the new addition offers a contemporary expression of exposed glulam beams and columns, which provide balance, warmth and contrast to other materials. The choice of wood as a structural system allowed opportunities for introducing levels of scale in design that support a sense of intimacy, while its use in the building’s auditorium helped create an outstanding acoustic environment. The use of pine from northern Wisconsin helped to achieve LEED Gold certification, and the building was named one of the American Institute of Architects’ top 10 green projects for 2011.