Kittery Trading Post is a well-known establishment in Maine that has been outfitting customers for the great outdoors since 1938. The family-owned company takes great pride in offering the finest goods and service to enhance time spent outdoors from the selection of quality brands and products to the knowledge and personal service of staff. That pride was reflected in a multi-year, multi-phase renovation and addition with intent to create a strong visual gateway into the store (as well as the State of Maine). Lassel Architects, inspired by Maine’s rich logging history, created new entries and an overall façade upgrade to complement the offerings inside. Inside the store, a new circulation and retail organization system was created to improve flow for customers and staff. Green spaces were spattered about the store, using real Maine plants and products, to engage a sense of adventure and discovery and enhance the shopping experience. Dramatic skylights were implemented throughout the new lobby to promote natural daylighting and an added mezzanine level provides private administrative offices to members of management.
The list of COTE (AIA Committee on the Environment) items was created to help understand how a project meets the needs of users and how it impacts the environment. The list focuses on best practices and high impact strategies for creating healthy places to live and work. Here are some ways this project measures up to the COTE list:
Integration
The original building was set away from the street, surrounded by parking and throughways. No windows displayed merchandise to passersby. This design called for a new approach by moving the building to the legal street setback, wrapping the first floor with a porch and installing large windows to connect the street to the store’s interior.
Community
Pedestrian flow is improved around the store with wide sidewalks and a covered entry. The store is located directly on the local shuttle bus route. Benches, outdoor seating and a covered porch, implemented throughout multiple entries, engage visitors. Parking was relocated to allow a large grassy area to provide relief from the sight of pavement and created a large area for storm water management.
Ecology
High-performance glass throughout the building is solar oriented. The exterior of the building is durable recycled cement board. Sustainable native plants were used in landscape design. Other ecology-friendly measures include:
– Dark Sky lighting
– a high-performance HVAC system
Water
All plumbing fixtures throughout the building are low flow.
Economy
The dense design allows for an efficient mechanical system to operate in all weather conditions. The design engages consumers and has increased sales. The building exterior is low matinence.
Energy
Window glazing is unique to each panel orientation and panel types limit heat loss and gain as well as the impact of UV light on merchandise. The efficient construction has reduced the overall cost of operation, despite a 50% increase of area. Extensive use of glass and transparent panels throughout have eliminated the need for artificial lighting, especially in the main lobby.
Wellness
The building is walkable to many other stores and restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood. A make-up air system provides fresh air in all weather, regardless of shopper density. Low VOC finishes were used throughout. Visitors are offered the use of bike racks outside the store.
Change
The building was incorporated with the existing site while creating more open space. The store now engages street and pedestrian traffic through large windows and adjacent sidewalks. Storm water issues were reduced with street side parking areas.
Structural JSN Engineering
MEP/FP Johnson and Jordan
Civil and Landscape Oak Point
Electrical Bennett Engineering
Stats
Year Completed 2006
