Renderings show a low-lying building topped with a tent-like roof that echoes the hills behind it. It is punctuated by glazed openings dispersed along its facade.

"Shingled metal peaks and curves harmonise with the surrounding hills, cresting against the skyline before dipping low to open into the central courtyard," explains SO-IL.

Set to be built in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, the 78,000-square-foot (7,246 square metre) building will consist of six separate volumes centred around a courtyard. The undulating cross-laminated timber roof will be laid atop these volumes, unifying them below. "Engineered via an experimental technique in warped cross-laminated timber, the roof will be the first of its kind in North America," said the studio.

Interior renderings show public areas clad in light green masonry, with the wooden ceiling stretching generously over the spaces. Clerestory windows and small gaps run along the ceiling's edge to let in light and floor-to-ceiling glazing punctuates the perimeter. The building's auditorium, galleries, cafes, classrooms and storage will be dispersed among the separate volumes.

The building is expected to open in 2027.

Images via SO-IL and the Williams College Museum of Art