Daniela Moebius played an integral role at Lassel Architects PA in the realization of this project.

 

The Saco Transportation Center is part of the Amtrak Downeaster rail line and includes a bus station, the Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Information Services. The large open site was formerly used for industrial purposes and was the location of the previous station. In the design process for the new station, a strong visual image was sought to help knit together the urban fabric of both communities and to stand out against the large adjacent factory buildings. The building forms reflect elements of our collective cultural memory of train stations while using modern details, materials and proportion.

 

The building is oriented along an east-west axis, with generous south-facing glazing that provides daylight and winter solar gain. Six foot perimeter overhangs protect pedestrians as well as the building’s glazing from the elements. Low-E Argon lled double glazing with thermally separated frames were used throughout with translucent panels at the eastern gable end and central skylight for daylighting.

 

A geothermal system provides both heating and cooling. The transportation center’s lobby is heated using radiant heat tubes embedded in the concrete oor. Vestibules are provided at all main entries, with automatic sliding doors that have winter and summer settings to control air movement.

 

In order to create an energy efficient shell, rigid insulation was applied to the exterior of the structure to limit thermal bridging. SIPS (Structurally Insulated Panels) were used to span glue-laminated trusses of the lobby, while blown-in cellulose insulation, a recycled product, provides R-49 insulation above the office spaces. An artificial slate product made of recycled soda bottles was used to nish the roof. Low VOC products, including carpet, paints and stains support a healthy interior environment. A variety of local products were used to avoid unnecessary transport and processing, including furniture made of native maple by Richardson-Allen of the neighboring town of Biddeford. Outside the station, drought-resistant vegetation reduces water usage and site lighting is achieved with high cut-off fixtures to reduce light pollution.

 

Owner: City of Saco

Architecture Firm: Lassel Architects PA

Design Team: Michael Lassel, Daniela Möbius

Photographer: Sandy Agrafiotis Photography

Structural Engineer: Kimball Chase

MEP: WH Demmons, Inc. 

Electrical Engineer: Bartlett Design, Inc. 

Civil Engineer: Deluca Hoffman

Contractor: Hardy Pond Construction