Camden Monthly Meeting Social Hall

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Description:

This project includes the historic restoration of an 1805 Meeting House and a new community gathering space designed to match the elegant simplicity and durability of the Meeting House. Prior to design, Re:Vision’s due diligence included an energy audit, structural analysis, and archaeological investigation of the existing site and historic Meeting House building. This information formed the basis for a master plan which Re:Vision then executed.

Spaces within the multi-functional annex include a large social hall, catering kitchen, archival display, and community meeting rooms. Through a collaborative charrette process, the building committee worked with Re:Vision to ensure the building reflected their core values of simplicity and environmental stewardship. As a result, this project was awarded LEED Platinum Certification (the second Platinum in the state of Delaware). A year after occupancy, both the historic meeting house and new annex use only a light bulb’s worth of energy more than they generate.

The project's alternative energy achievements lie in its closed-loop geothermal system, 12Kw photovoltaic array, and use of passive solar and superior daylighting and insulation strategies. A 2,000 gallon cistern reuses rainwater for flushing toilets and watering gardens, while 100% of excess stormwater is filtrated on-site through low-maintenance vegetated swales. Special features include an outdoor meditation garden and a glass core through which visitors can see the historic Meeting House upon approaching the building from the parking lot in the rear.

Sustainable Features Include: