Replacing a dark and crowded 1967 crew house, the Porter Boathouse provides the University of Wisconsin rowing teams with an appropriate facility for their illustrious programs.

The lower floor provides storage for over 200 shells, whose lake-level location makes boat retrieval and storage convenient. The ground floor contains coaches’ offices and crew locker rooms, as well as a lounge area and Wisconsin rowing hall of fame, which display trophies for the dozens of intercollegiate titles and many other accolades won by the crews.

The second floor is an indoor exercise area used when practice on Lake Mendota is limited by icy winters or time constraints. These facilities include enough rowing machines for each team member to practice simultaneously and a two-sided, moving-water, adjustable-current rowing tank.

The building exterior reflects the tripartite division of program, with the storage and administrative floors clad in poured concrete and limestone, respectively.

The upper workout level is made up of four lead-coated copper light monitors, whose north-facing windows bring abundant natural light to exercising athletes.

This layered volume compliments the historical dormitories and observatory nearby without attempting to literally recreate bygone styles. The result is a world-class rowing facility that contributes to the harmonious environment of UW-Madison’s lakeshore area.

In association with VJAA.

Photography Credit: Don F. Wong

Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin Award - 2005