In 2008, Oudens Ello Architecture was hired by Mystic Seaport to design a new, all-weather waterfront museum building. Schematic design for this ambitious project, which featured the integration of immersive, state-of-the-art exhibits designed by the UK-based exhibit design firm Haley Sharpe Design, was completed in early 2009. Since then, evolving institutional goals have informed plans for more modest development of Mystic Seaport’s north end. To that end, in 2012 Mystic Seaport and OEA unveiled plans for a smaller, 20,000 GSF museum facility and to this day continue to jointly develop the new design (plans for the new project will be unveiled on this website in 2013).

The initial 55,000 GSF, two-story design was intended to serve as an important, four-season venue for visitors to the Seaport campus with new galleries, spaces for large events, a theater, and a waterfront dining facility. The dramatic, light-filled Great Hall, in combination with a large outdoor events space overlooking the Mystic River, was intended to provide a focal point and hub of activity for the North Campus.

The proposed building recalls the scale and form of the wharf buildings and ships that occupied the site at the turn of the century. The wooden underbelly of the Great Hall’s inverted roof evokes a ship’s hull “on the ways”. The project, previously slated to pursue LEED certification, features sustainable design initiatives such as geothermal wells, passive solar, natural ventilation, radiant heating and cooling, and an expansive photovoltaic array.

As part of a five-month study leading up to and in pursuit of a construction grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), OEA’s early efforts focused on the analysis of two different building sites – each with its own assets and challenges. Out of this analysis, a preferred site was chosen for which a range of planning options were then developed. Out of that exploration came a final, preferred scheme, which was further developed with the Building Committee, the Town of Shutesbury and the MBLC.

The project was one of twenty-eight submissions by towns throughout Massachusetts for grants through the MBLC’s Public Library Construction Program, which provides up to 60% of eligible construction costs. Shutesbury was ultimately one of eight towns – along with the Town of West Tisbury, the site of another OEA public library project – to receive a grant from the state and received the maximum amount allowable. OEA’s ongoing work with the Library is guided by strong support for cost-effective green building technologies such as geothermal heating and cooling and on-site power generation through photovoltaic array, striving to achieve net-zero energy goals within the bounds of a demanding budget.

The 6,300 square foot head offices for the United Cricket Board of South Africa are located on the grounds of the Wanderers’ Club, a famous Johannesburg sporting club with its origins in the 19^th Century.  The Cricket Board’s compact administration team had been occupying what had been the single story children’s summerhouse that lay behind the large, grand main clubhouse.  The Club agreed to allow an addition to this building, so that the UCB could expand its operations without having to leave the Club grounds, with the proviso that none of the existing large trees be removed, and that an open lawn be maintained between the Clubhouse and the Cricket Board.

Our solution was derived from the above constraints, as well as from the additional space constraint created by the access roadway.  The new building occupies a slender bar inserted between the large trees, with a single story linking element attaching to the existing building.  Above the link, a lounge terrace enables visitors to stand directly under the canopy of a large oak tree, while enjoying a direct view of the Club’s main cricket oval.  On the west side of the new building, the main view is to the west lawn, coinciding with an almost direct west orientation.  This potential sunlight and heat gain challenge is addressed by the staggering of large windows and wall surfaces to create oblique views out, while stopping heat in the circulation double volume, and venting it by convection through clerestory windows at the top of that volume.

The United Cricket Board of South Africa Head Offices, Johannesburg, 1998-2000, was the work of Paul Schlapobersky Architects.

Oudens Ello Architecture welcomes Paul Schlapobersky, AIA, LEED AP as new Principal
2013.02

Remodelista.com features Urban Grape South End
2012.12 - Oudens Ello Architecture’s new wine store receives more high marks from esteemed design source. Click here to view the article and photos.

Oudens Ello Architecture enters 1st Annual Community Design Resource Center (CRDC) Gingerbread House Design Competition
2012.11 - Gingerbread houses are on display in the BSA Gallery Space through December 7th. Click here for the BSA’s link to the online auction and to see OEA’s submission.

Oudens Ello Architecture selected to design a new library for the Town of Eastham 
2012.10 – Click here for selection news and here for a video link to OEA’s recent presentation to the Town’s Library Trustees, Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee (once on the Town’s “Video on Demand” page, select “October 2012″, then the video clip titled: “Library Board of Trustees with BOS & FinCom 10/22/12″).

Urban Grape South End Opens its Doors 
2012.09 - The new wine store’s contemporary interior is receiving high marks. Links below take you to the latest reviews and photos:

thrillist.com
dailycandy.com
urbandaddy.com
BostInno.com

Urban Grape South End Plans Unveiled 
2012.06 - The Urban Grape’s two-year anniversary celebration at the Hotel Indigo showcases plans for new store. Click here for the party recap and here for further store details from Grub Street.

Sculptor Antonio Mendez and Oudens Ello Honored in Celtics-76ers 5/14 Pre-Game Ceremony
2012.05 - The Bill Russell Legacy Foundation, Boston Celtics and City of Boston announce selection of Mendez-OEA team to design Bill Russell tribute in City Hall Plaza. Click here for Boston Globe article.

Martha’s Vineyard Museum Commences With Initial Site Work in Vineyard Haven
2012.04 - Removal of trees reveals historic Marine hospital overlooking Lagoon Pond. Click here for mvtimes article.

Oudens Ello Presents Library Project at Community Forum on March 26th
2012.03 - OEA featured on Martha’s Vineyard TV. Click here to play the full video of this well attended presentation in West Tisbury. Be sure to search the “Video on Demand” section for the “West Tisbury Library Public Forum 3.26.12″ clip.

West Tisbury Library Moves Toward Town Vote 
2012.03 - Upcoming April 10th Town Meeting and April 12th ballot question votes will determine final approval of the library project. Click here for the Vineyard Gazette’s latest article on the library’s progress and this important next step.

West Tisbury Library Foundation successful at raising funds for the New Library
2012.02 – The West Tisbury Library Foundation nears its fund raising objective with over $1.2-million raised to date. Click here for more information and a look at the Foundation’s inspiring video, Time to Grow.

Building Futures: Re-Envisioning the Hyde at Rensselaer
2012.02 – The Oudens Ello master plan for the Hyde Collection provides road map for recent RPI student/faculty work. Click here for more information about the exhibit, which runs at the museum through April 16, 2012.

Millis Library groundbreaking a big success
2011.12 – December 17th groundbreaking event launches 12-month construction process. Click here for a recap of the celebration.

Millis Library featured in Boston Globe
2011.12 – The new Millis Library has been featured in the December 16th issue of the Boston Globe. Progress on town’s `new living room’ – The Boston Globe Archives

Martha’s Vineyard Museum hosts open house in Vineyard Haven
2011.12 – Museum hosts successful community outreach event at newly purchased St. Pierre property. Museum Open House Unveils New Location’s Ample Charms – 12:16:11 – Vineyard Gazette Online

OEA Present New Millis Library to Town Selectmen & Community at Open House
2011.08 – Ground-breaking slated for mid-October. Click here for more information.

Shutesbury and West Tisbury Awarded Library Construction Grants
2011.07 – Two Oudens Ello Architecture library designs are among the eight grant winners throughout the Commonwealth in 2011. Click here to read the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners July 14th press release.

West Tisbury Celebrates Grant award
2011.07 – The Town is poised to move forward quickly with expansion plans.  Click here for the Martha’s Vineyard Times article.

ESPN features Antonio Tobias Mendez and OEA as finalists for Bill Russell Legacy Project
2011.07 – Final proposals to be shared with Selection Committee this fall. Click here for the article.

Initial concepts unveiled for Bill Russell Legacy Project
2011.07 – Oudens Ello Architecture teamed with Antonio Tobias Mendez. Click here and scroll down to October 14, 2011 posting.

Martha’s Vineyard Museum close to acquiring St. Pierre Property
2011.06 – The museum is poised to purchase the historic Vineyard Haven property. Click here to read Vineyard Gazette article.

Oudens Ello Architecture and South Mountain Company selected to lead Martha’s Vineyard Museum Feasibility Study
2010.12 – OEA+SMC collaboration focuses on possible relocation of museum from Edgartown to historic property in Vineyard Haven. Click here to read Vineyard Gazette article.

West Tisbury Library Designs Gain Momentum
2010.11 – OEA Present Preliminary Design Options at Community Forum. Click here for more information.

Oudens Ello lead community forum in West Tisbury
2010.10 – OEA present preliminary plans for the library renovation and expansion on Monday, October 25th. Click here for more information.

Oudens Ello Architecture to begin work on renovation and expansion of West Tisbury Free Public Library
2010.10 – Vibrant library intends to pursue MBLC construction grant. Click here for more information.

The Urban Grape wine store opens its doors in Chestnut Hill
2010.06 – OEA’s new wine store draws high praise from Boston’s blogger community. Click on links below to read about this innovative shop:
Travel Eat Love
Girly Green Girl
+BonjourBruxelles+
The Passionate Foodie
Wellesley Wine Press
boston.com
The Daily Candy

Town of Shutesbury Supports Library Project
2010.05 – Town’s 163-20 vote reflects overwhelming approval in pursuit of MBLC grant. Click here for Daily Hampshire Gazette article.

Oudens Ello Architecture sponsors Greening The Valley: Sustainable Architecture in the Pioneer Valley
2010.01 – The landmark exhibition on sustainable contemporary architecture and environmentally sensitive building practices will take place at The University Gallery, Fine Arts Center, UMass Amherst. The three-month long project will run from February 10 through May 9, 2010. Click here for more information.

Curious George Cottage to undergo renovations
2009.02 – The Rey Center will soon implement plans for its initial growth phase in the form of significant environmental modifications to the Curious George Cottage geared towards energy conservation and efficiency designed by Oudens Ello Architecture. Click here for article.

Oudens Ello Architecture joins 1% program
2007.09 – The 1%, a program of Public Architecture, connects nonprofits with architecture and design firms willing to give of their time pro bono. If every architecture professional in the U.S. committed 1% of their time to pro bono service, it would add up to 5,000,000 hours annually – the equivalent of a 2,500-person firm, working full-time for the public good. Click here to learn more about The One Percent and OEA’s involvement.

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum, formerly the Martha’s Vineyard Historic Society and an important island institution since 1922, currently occupies a small parcel in the center of Edgartown, it’s home since 1932. Current facilities are wholly inadequate for the display and storage of art and visitation is hindered by limited parking during peak summer months. With their functionality severely hampered, the museum has explored opportunities for relocation and growth over the last decade. To that end, Oudens Ello Architecture in partnership with South Mountain Company – a design-build firm based on the island – were chosen through an invited designer selection process in the fall of 2010 to evaluate a 5-acre waterfront property in Vineyard Haven, half a mile from the center of town and the island’s primary ferry terminal. Located at the center of this property on a promontory with commanding views of the harbor is a 10,000 square-foot historic marine hospital dating back to 1895 and used for the last 50 years as a school and summer camp. The goal of the three-month feasibility study was to test the appropriateness of the site for use by the museum, help the Museum’s Board make an informed decision about purchase of the property, and provide materials to support fundraising efforts.

OEA conceived of a design strategy for the new museum, which showcases this iconic building as the new frontispiece and visitor entry for an expanded museum, and itself an important “artifact” in the museum’s collection. To its side in deference to the old building is a new, two-story, 20,000 square-foot, state of the art exhibition and collections storage wing nestled against the wooded north edge of the site and defining one side of a large outdoor events lawn. The new wing allows the museum to effectively double their exhibition space and display and store artwork in a climate-controlled environment that meets the highest standards, increasing the institution’s borrowing and lending capabilities. Building on OEA’s relationship with an energy and sustainability consultant, now employed by South Mountain Company and currently supporting OEA’s efforts on another project on Martha’s Vineyard, the design team is committed to finding solutions that maximize building performance and minimize energy and water consumption.

The completed study was well-received by the institution, the Vineyard Haven community and island at large and following the museum’s recent purchase of the property, current efforts are underway to launch a capital campaign to solidify plans for the next phase of growth.

Building on the success of Urban Grape Chestnut Hill after its first year in business, OEA was hired by owner’s TJ and Hadley Douglas to design a second wine store in Boston’s desirable South End neighborhood. Somewhat awkwardly shaped, but larger than the original retail space and benefitting from 14-foot tall ceilings and greater frontage along an important pedestrian-friendly avenue, this bright and welcoming retail space, completed in September 2012, has wholly transformed the formerly desolate city block on which it stands. The new store is related to its sibling store through the use of a similar complementary palette of polished concrete and natural wood, though white-washed walls and custom wine shelving fabricated of white powder-coated aluminum give the space the contemporary flair of a downtown art gallery. Providing a point of focus at each end of the space are a retail counter and 6 foot by 15 foot tasting table, both fully clad in hardwood walnut boards. The two elements are further accentuated by clusters of pendant light fixtures overhead, made from old demijohn wine bottles of varying sizes.