The Pump House Steam Museum (PHSM), a Provincially designated heritage building, is a cultural facility owned by the City of Kingston as part of its Museums Network. As part of a multi-year program of renewal, rehabilitation, and retrofit, TRACE architectures was retained to review the original part of the building (c.1849) known as the “Engineerium”. The City’s goal was to create additional exhibition and revenue generating space within an underused portion of the building.
This “Engineerium Space” is the only remaining portion from the 1849 limestone Pump House with original elements and materials, and a unique open space. This set of special characteristics required a simple, sophisticated, and respectful intervention that showcased its potential as both an exhibit space, as well as a reception, display, and meeting space.
MAINTAINING CHARACTER IN ITS NEW USE
As a starting point we worked to retain and enhance the existing elements within the space including the character-defining original wall finishes (stone and brick) along with highlighting relics or elements that reference the building’s previous function as a pump house (including boilers). Our solution took advantage of the sense of place to create a unique exhibition and reception space.
To recognize the interface between new and existing and to accommodate new services required for the new use we installed a grated floor trench around three sides of the room. Functionally, this approach allowed for releveling of the floor, installation of a new floor finish, installation of new uplighting to highlight the stone walls and installation of new data and power outlets.
With movable exhibit panels positioned to maximize space, the room can easily accommodate different events, even when a quick turn around is required for different events. The design solution of simplicity/reuse of the existing space and materials, meshes well with the heritage conservation approach of minimal intervention for this rehabilitation project, by augmenting and enhancing the existing and uncovered sense of place.
