Brimmer and May School
Corkin Visual Arts Center

Brimmer and May School, Chestnut Hill, MA

2730 sf

A deteriorating 1890’s carriage house was reconstructed as a new visual arts center for this N-12 independent day school.

The design takes advantage of the corner location to provide abundant north light to the studios, while preserving the historic character of the building. On the three sides facing the campus and neighbors, the building retains the fabric of the original barn in massing, materials, and detailing—a critical concern of the town and residential neighbors.

By contrast, the two-story glass wall inserted in the north face of the building washes the studios with glare-free light, and provides views across the T tracks to the landscaped hillside beyond.