neastudio

Gut renovation and addition of a historic Victorian hotel and convent where the ocean meets the bay at Cape May Point. Due to the adjacent protected dunes, this landmarked site allows for a replacement of the pre-existing boiler/mechanical rooms with a community library and a rooftop terrace with ocean view. This small space is designed to feel expansive by focusing on a double height illuminated 'tower of books' with glass facade open to the south that brings the exterior landscape inside.

The design and program pays respect to the sisters of the convent, who until 2019, enjoyed the simple life enjoying the magnificent site and its natural wonders. The science exhibition hall will offer state-of-the-art exhibitions linked to research preformed at the center that can benefit from its unique location, such as species and wave tracking. The art exhibition hall will be curated around depictions of the natural world. The rooms will host residencies for artists, writers and researchers whose new French doors provide access to the exterior balcony and landscape.. The collaborative studios will foster teamwork and innovative thinking. The center will host events and draw visitors from far away to experience cutting edge exhibitions, research and cultural events such as concerts, star-gazing and rotating exhibitions. The cafe adjoining the new library spills into the central courtyard terrace and library garden, increasing flow of light and circulation, continuity between inside and out.

The exterior facades, new entry, library, cafe, exhibitions halls, furnishings and architectural detailing will be LEED certified and respect the history of the place. The minimal affordable aesthetic underlines appreciation of the surroundings to honor the lives of the nuns. At the same time, the center will function as an important international think tank for research and innovation contributing to the environment, global warming, and preservation of species. The gardens and dunes will host native plantings to abide by LEED certification, as well as further the narrative of the nuns and their devotion to the place.