Projects » Williams College

WILLIAMS COLLEGE BOATHOUSE
LAKE ONOTA, PITTSFIELD, MA

After dissatisfaction with a design by an­other architect, Williams College sought out Peterson Architects to design a new boathouse at the north end of Lake Onota in Pittsfield, MA. Zoning and site constraints limited the potential location of the building—it is partially located in the footprint of the College’s prior boathouse. Completed in 2024, the boathouse is modern, but is integrated with surrounding residential buildings and a marina.

Replacing the previous inadequate struc­ture, the boathouse consists of two distinct sections. First, a spacious and airy barn-style building houses the boatbays and work­shop. The boat bays feature a ceiling clad in vertical grain fir, which is highlighted by lighting integrated into the structure. The ceiling’s golden glow complements the purple of the columns and rafters, in essence creating the purple and gold of Williams team colors.

The building also includes a support wing that is streamlined to allow rowers to arrive, row, and depart with maximum efficiency. It encom­passes cubbies, restrooms and changing facilities, and a team room facing the lake. The team room includes soft seating, and features a large LED screen for video review after practice.

When the planned solar panels are installed, it is expected that the building will be a net-zero energy structure.

Photography by Peterson Architects.