Gund Hall, Harvard University Graduate School of Design

Cambridge, MA

Architect:  Bruner/Cott Architects
General Contractor: Shawmut Design and Construction
Glazing Contractor: A&A Window Products

Balancing Heritage & Sustainability: OBE360’s Innovative Approach to Harvard’s Gund Hall Renovation

In the realm of architectural preservation and sustainable design, few projects exemplify the delicate balance between honoring architectural heritage and meeting modern energy standards as well as the recent renovation of Gund Hall at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. This ambitious project, which aimed to dramatically improve the building’s energy performance while maintaining its distinctive mid-twentieth century aesthetics, showcases the power of collaborative design-assist partnerships and innovative technical solutions.

A Challenging Renovation: Modernizing an Iconic Structure

Gund Hall, with its striking glass-enclosed multi-level studio block known as the ‘trays’, has been a centerpiece of Harvard’s design education since its completion in 1972. However, like many buildings of its era, it faced significant challenges in meeting contemporary energy efficiency standards. The renovation project set an ambitious goal: to achieve a stringent overall weighted U-factor of 0.30, significantly improving the building’s thermal performance without compromising its iconic appearance.

OBE360, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope’s design-assist experts known for their innovative approach and collaborative ethos, played a crucial role in the project. OBE360 was engaged by glazing contractor A&A Window Products early in the design phase to consult on the project led by architects Bruner/Cott and general contractor Shawmut Design & Construction. The OBE360 team collaborated closely to provide customized solutions that would meet both the aesthetic and performance requirements of this high-profile renovation.

Clerestory Windows: Engineering from the Outside In

The clerestory windows, crucial to the building’s distinctive appearance and natural lighting, were surrounded by a complex web of steel trusses that made interior access nearly impossible. OBE360’s solution was both innovative and practical: modifying the head and sill receptors on their TCR-225 window wall system for a more efficient exterior installation, eliminating the need for interior scaffolding or lifts.

To meet the demanding U-factor requirements, OBE360 also adapted the system to accommodate triple-glazed units, increasing the glass pocket to accept 1-3/4” glazing in lieu of the system’s standard 1” insulating unit. This adjustment, supported by extensive thermal modeling, ensured the clerestory windows preserved the building’s aesthetic while significantly improving its energy performance.

East Elevation: Adapting for Slope and Performance

The east elevation presented another unique challenge with its distinctive slope glazing separating vertical upper and lower walls. OBE360 tackled this by modifying their BMS-3000 single slope skylight system, replacing the standard tubular back member with an I-beam design. This custom solution allowed for seamless integration with the building’s existing structure while significantly improving thermal performance. The vertical sections were upgraded with triple glazing, further enhancing the elevation’s energy efficiency, getting the team closer to their overall U-factor goal.

North and South Elevations: Pushing the Boundaries of Glass Technology

Perhaps the most technically challenging aspect of the renovation was addressing the expansive glazing on the north and south elevations. These large glass areas required exceptional thermal performance to achieve the project’s overall U-factor goal. After extensive collaboration, the team opted for hybrid vacuum insulating glass (VIG), a cutting-edge technology that offers superior insulation in a slim profile.

Integrating this advanced glazing into Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope’s Reliance™ veneer curtain wall system required significant engineering innovation. The team reduced the system’s sightline from 2-1/2 inches to 2 inches and decreased the profile depth, all while maintaining structural integrity and performance. The VIG was positioned on the exterior of the system to optimize condensation resistance, a solution arrived through extensive modeling by the OBE360 team and collaborative problem-solving.

The result of these efforts is nothing short of remarkable: the modified veneer system achieves a U-factor of 0.19, contributing to achieving the overall weighted U-factor of the project.

Dew Point Analysis: Optimizing Condensation Resistance

U-factor is a critical performance metric for fenestration systems, but equally important – and sometimes overlooked – is condensation resistance. During the modeling phase for Gund Hall, the OBE360 team was able to meet the required U-factor by adapting various systems but encountered challenges with achieving satisfactory condensation resistance performance. An adjustment to the placement of the VIG unit in the hybrid VIG assembly proved to be the winning solution. Positioning the VIG unit on the exterior was influenced by the unique veneer system, which lacks the substantial interior aluminum mass present in traditional curtain wall systems. Such a mass minimizes interior-to-exterior temperature extremes and reduces condensation risks. The OBE360 team’s modeling process found that switching the VIG to the exterior altered the condensation line and addressed the issue.

A Model for Future Renovations

Gund Hall’s renovation demonstrates the power of collaboration. Initiated by A&A Window Products this strategic partnership ensured seamless integration of innovations with project goals. OBE360’s solutions for specific challenges created a model for updating mid-century buildings to modern energy standards while preserving architectural integrity.

The project exemplifies how to rehabilitate 1960s and 70s buildings, integrating high-performance systems into historic structures. This success maintains Gund Hall’s role in Harvard’s design education while setting new standards for sustainable renovation.

OBE360’s expertise proved that innovative thinking and technology can enhance architectural sustainability without compromising character, making the Gund Hall project an inspiring example of preservation meeting innovation.

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