Merit Award: Southeastern Center for Contemporary Arts (SECCA) Renovation
Architect: Szostak Design
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
100 Word Description: SECCA is a 35,000 square foot museum that suffered from inherent technical deficiencies including significant moisture and groundwater penetration, improper roof flashing and inadequate environmental control. The design team reshaped the grounds surrounding the facility and redesigned flashing systems to prevent moisture penetration. The existing low-slope built-up roof was replaced and a new HVAC system installed. The main gallery spaces were also redesigned to permit greater flexibility in the staging of exhibitions. New finishes were applied including the grinding and sealing of the building’s original concrete underfloor and an updating of the building’s exterior finishes, transforming the appearance of the facility.
Architect’s Statement: The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) is an internationally recognized, 35,000 square foot museum featuring exhibits of art, sculpture and mixed media. Both its original building – the 1929 Hanes House – and later additions suffered from inherent technical deficiencies including significant moisture and groundwater penetration, improper roof flashing and inadequate environmental control. As a consequence, it was extremely difficult for the museum to maintain the high standards of temperature and humidity control required of a first-class exhibit space. The design team reshaped the grounds surrounding the facility to redirect ground water away from the building and redesigned flashing systems to prevent moisture penetration. The existing low-slope built-up roof was replaced and the Hanes House’s slate tile roof was refurbished. Major elements of the HVAC system were replaced and the main gallery spaces were also redesigned to permit greater flexibility in the staging of exhibitions. New finishes were applied including the removal of the museum’s original carpet and the grinding and sealing of the building’s concrete slab underfloor. Concurrent with this renovation, SECCA commissioned Pentagram to revitalize its graphic branding, the colors of which were utilized by the architect for an update of the building’s exterior finishes, fundamentally transforming the appearance of the facility. Future phases of the museum’s redevelopment will include improvements to ADA access, further renovations to the Hanes House, the addition of a patron cafe and the creation of a new vehicular entry for the site.
Type of Construction: New membrane roofing and flashing, light-gauge metal exterior framing, painted gypsum board partitions, concrete floor grinding and sealing, high efficiency VAV HVAC system.
