The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is a modern memorial temple built on the site where George Washington established the Badge of Merit for the brave soldiers of the American Revolution. Located on Temple Hill in New Windsor, New York, a new architecture made of corten and glass houses the museum and contemplation spaces
Among the inspired architectural projects of the Ikon.5 studio, stands out the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor which presents itself to the street with its facade of portals in corten steel and glass in a blend of solemnity and integration with the landscape. The project's concept is inspired by 18th-century encampments and is dedicated to the nearly 2 million recipients of the Purple Heart recognition
As you approach the building from the parking lot via an accessible path designed to mitigate the slope of the lot, you will encounter five granite benches that celebrate the five military branches. Beyond the portal, an inner courtyard houses the Purple Heart Roll of Honor: an interactive database accessible to visitors to record recipients of the medal or search for information
The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is designed to house the welcome gallery, an exhibition space, a program orientation theater, and a souvenir shop. Outside, an eternal flame burns in the contemplative garden in honor of the soldiers. From the adjacent terrace, one can let their gaze wander over the Catskill Mountains, rebalancing emotion and finding comfort
The bronzed steel of the building allows for its integration with the historic cedar constructions that surround it. The project has achieved LEED Gold certification thanks to the innovative techniques used for construction and energy conservation, including the pre-seasoned steel rain screen, sunshades, photovoltaic cells integrated into the roof, and electric vehicle charging stations
