Shipping containers were the prominent building material used to construct Boxyard RTP, the first public community and gathering place in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park (RTP). Designed by CallisonRTKL (CRTKL), the project is intended as a lunchtime and happy hour destination, and a venue for concerts, farmer’s markets, and other community events.
Located on a wooded lot within a grove of evergreen trees, Boxyard RTP takes advantage of the shade thrown by the dense tree coverage, and the natural features provide a contrast to the industrial look of the containers. The site is organized around a courtyard with retail, food, and beverage offerings surrounding the central open space. The courtyard is partially protected from the elements by a prefabricated metal building canopy that plays off of the containers’ industrial aesthetic.
Beneath the canopy, a container houses a stage with drop down walls on two sides, allowing flexibility for various types of events. The design of the structures makes use of the entire container materials, which increases sustainable practices and reduces project cost. The prefabricated, modular nature of the shipping containers and the minimal site disturbance required reduced the construction schedule to just nine months.
The stage facing the courtyard is intended for large music performances. Patios were created with wood decking over container roofs or offsetting stacked containers. Another stage will be used for smaller productions, allowing guests to sit on the lawn below the tree canopy. With room for up to nine restaurants, indoor/outdoor seating options, and a covered pavilion, Boxyard RTP will provide year-round dining and shopping experiences.
Food and beverage tenants will have from three to six conjoined containers. Retail tenants will have the option to have a single container or the ability to open-up two conjoined containers.
Located in the largest research park in the U.S., the Research Triangle is located between Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Access to the site is readily walkable from surrounding campuses in RTP. It has integrated parking for vehicles and access to a bus stop along Highway 54 to the project’s south.
On the building team:
Owner and/or developer: The Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina
Design architect: CRTKL
MEP engineer: Clark Nexsen
Structural engineer: Lynch Mykins Structural Engineers, PC
General contractor/construction manager: Kirkland Inc.
Related Stories
75 Top Building Products | Dec 12, 2019
Top Building Envelope Products for 2019
Sto's beetle-inspired exterior coating and Dörken Systems' UV-resistant vapor-permeable barrier are among the 28 new building envelope products to make Building Design+Construction's 2019 101 Top Products report.
Glass Technology | Jun 13, 2019
Dynamic glass catches on at major airports
This sector accounts for one-fifth of View Glass’ portfolio.
Energy Efficiency | Dec 5, 2018
Harvard debuts HouseZero as a possible response to making existing buildings more efficient
Hundreds of embedded sensors will inform energy use reduction research.
Sponsored | Energy Efficiency | Jul 2, 2018
Going solar has never been easier
There is an efficient system for mounting solar panels to roofs and turning roof real estate into raw power.
Energy Efficiency | Apr 4, 2018
A new energy metric for building design and operations
A building with a higher occupant density may have a higher energy use, but expend less energy per person.
Energy-Efficient Design | Mar 20, 2018
University of Hawaii Maui College on pace to become first U.S. campus to generate 100% renewable energy on-site
The project is part of a partnership with Johnson Controls and Pacific Current that will also allow four UH community college campuses on Oahu to significantly reduce their fossil fuel consumption.
Energy Efficiency | Dec 19, 2017
New building energy quotient portal gives quick analysis on energy performance
ASHRAE tool provides more automated approach to receive Building EQ Performance Score.
Energy-Efficient Design | Oct 30, 2017
A D.C. think tank taps Gensler for renderings that reimagine a possible future for nuclear power plants
Third Way illustrates the utility of this energy source, at a time when alternatives to fossil fuels are getting more attention.
Energy Efficiency | Sep 15, 2017
To reach ambitious energy targets, firms must dig deeper
The number of firms involved in AIA’s voluntary pact to slash energy consumption in buildings grew to more than 400 in July.