Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design (GSD) welcomed students back to a significantly improved Gund Hall this fall.
The iconic John Andrews-designed building, a landmark of modern architecture since its 1972 opening, has undergone a substantial façade renovation, dramatically enhancing its energy performance while preserving its architectural integrity. This project serves as a compelling case study in sustainable building practices for large-scale renovations.
The building’s original single-pane glazing, encompassing 28% of its floor area and responsible for a staggering 46% of its energy consumption, was the primary target of the renovation. This ambitious undertaking involved replacing 1,617 glazing units with a sophisticated mix of triple-pane glass and hybrid vacuum-insulated glass (VIG), supplemented by motorized window shades. As A. Krista Sykes of the GSD notes, this hybrid approach delivers energy performance two to four times better than standard insulating glass, and up to ten times better than the original single-pane units. While VIG technology has seen success in Europe, Gund Hall represents one of the first large-scale applications of this technology in the United States.
The complexity of the project was significant. Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope® (OBE), the curtainwall and insulating glass fabricator, faced challenges presented by Gund Hall’s intricate steel trusses, sloped glazing, and expansive glass surfaces. These challenges required innovative solutions, including modifications to OBE’s TCR-225 window wall and BMS-3000 single-slope skylight systems. These adaptations, achieved through meticulous thermal modeling, ensured efficient exterior installation and accommodated the larger dimensions of the triple-glazed and VIG units. Vitro supplied the VIG, glass substrate, and glass coatings, highlighting a collaborative effort across multiple industry leaders. Bruner/Cott Architects served as the design and executive architect, with SGH providing building envelope consulting and structural engineering.
The results speak for themselves. The renovation surpasses Massachusetts’s stretch energy code for alterations, achieving an impressive 22.2% reduction in energy use intensity and a 19.1% reduction in utility costs. The project is expected to save approximately 18,000 kilograms of carbon emissions annually, with a projected nine-year carbon payback period.
Gund Hall’s transformation is more than just a renovation; it’s a powerful demonstration of how innovative materials and meticulous design can revitalize existing structures while significantly reducing environmental impact. This project sets a high benchmark for future large-scale renovations, showcasing the potential for substantial energy savings and carbon emission reductions in existing buildings. The success of this project highlights the importance of collaboration between architects, engineers, fabricators, and material suppliers in achieving ambitious sustainability goals.
Source: USGlass with additional information added by GlassBalkan
