The new Family Y at Mahackeno has been designed by the world-renowned firm, Robert A.M. Stern Architects. The project manager is Westport resident Kevin Smith. (click to Meet the Architects)

As proposed, the building is approx 102,000 square feet. Within the building there are programming- and member-oriented space which includes Aerobics; Aquatics Center; Basketball Courts; Child Care; Dance; Fitness; Gymnastics; Racquet Sports and Spin. Administrative Offices, Multi-Purpose Rooms, Lockers, Hallways, Closets, Mechanicals, etc. account for approximately 30,000 square feet.

Preservation of the character of the land is of key importance to the Family Y and its architects. As a result, the building has been sited and designed within the context of its surrounding environment.

Discreetly nestled into a hill abutting the Merritt Parkway, facing south to picturesque Mahackeno Outdoor Center and Lees Pond, the building is classic New England design that draws from the heritage and traditions of American camp architecture. It combines aspects of Adirondack "great camps" with the straightforward architecture of New England summer camps, like Mahackeno.

By tucking the first floor into the sloping hillside, the building's visual appearance is greatly reduced, while permitting south light and views of the Lees Pond and Poplar Plains Brook from major rooms facing south. The building will not be visible from Rice's Lane or the vast majority of Camp.

The material palette is in keeping with its rustic, wooded site. Specifically, the use of native field stone and rough-sawn timber reflects the architecture of the adjacent Merritt Parkway and the heritage of its setting.

The intent is to make the building as environmentally friendly, or "green," as possible. The architect and engineers have focused on increasing the efficiency with which the building and the site use and harvest energy, water and materials, and reducing building impacts on human health and the environment through better siting, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the complete building lifecycle.

The Family Y | The Family Y at Mahackeno | Architecture and Design
Site Plan | Floor Plans | Exterior | Interior