The River Probes project for the University provides both living, eating, sleeping and scientific areas within a very small 70 sq. ft. footprint. It allows scientists to live on the rivers in a controlled environment to conduct long term ecological monitoring of the surface quality of water. The Probes also serves as public observation platforms both to view the rivers natural beauty and to learn about the toxicology and pollution issues facing the rivers today.
Water from the river is continuously pumped through the holding tanks so the animals are exposed to river water in real time. The River Probe also functions as a data acquisition station, allowing for streaming of data and video of experiments to the organization’s website.
Randy Brown looked to the context, the reed grasses on the river banks, bridge piers and river boat technology to provide inspiration for the structure. All materials are recycled or renewable creating a sustainable building. The Nebraska Natural Resources District has strict regulations. Structures must be above the 100-year floodplain and pilings cannot affect the rise or flow of the river, inspiring Brown to perch the station on thin steel tubes, which have minimal effect on the water level. A symbolic slit in the corten steel paneling marks the flood line.
Two ADA-compliant wood ramps lead to the entrance and brace the structure. Jutting out over the water, a small wood deck has a V-shaped steel nose and a metal seat for observation. While the placid water flowed well underneath the station on a recent early spring day, it can easily flood the riverbank after winters with heavy snows. The nose helps deflect blocks of ice and logs that may float down the river. Slabs of limestone steps lead down to the water next to the station.
PROJECT CREDITS
Architect.-Randy Brown Architects. Omaha, Nebraska.
Collaborators. Project Team.- Chris Turner, Meg O'Malon, Jon Olson. Renderings: Jeff Gillway. Structural Engineer.- Jeff Ehler, Infrastructure Engineering.
Contractor.- Todd Gaver Construction.
Program.- Enclosed structure to house specimen tanks, water testing equipment, computer workspace, satellite feed, video log space, public access and private living/sleeping area for 1-2 day visits by the researchers.
Construction systems.- Wood frame with steel pilings.
Dates.- Construction: 2011. Completion Date: March 2012.
Surface.- 70 sf.
Budget.- $152,000 probe shell. $111,500 probe equipment.
Client.- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory. Affiliated with University of Nebraska at Omaha. Funding.- Grants from the State Natural Resources District, State Fish and Game department, Private Corporations.
Location.- Sarpy County, Nebraska.
