Smith College, Kathleen McCartney Hall

Overview 

Designed with a hybrid timber structure, the new career center includes a high-tech conference space to facilitate remote interactions, information sessions, interviews and recruiting events with students and alumnae. The center reflects the College’s sustainability goals, aligning with their Healthy Materials initiative and targets LEED Gold Certification. 

We provided structural design and façade and sustainability consulting services to TenBerke Architects for the project. Through a holistic approach and integrated services, spanning from early engagement in the concept phase to construction administration, the team assisted the building in achieving Net-Zero readiness, compliance with Smith College's new Interior Procurement Standards, and a cohesive, sustainable design supported by detailed energy modeling, life cycle analyses and advanced system integration. 

Highlights 

• Notable structural and façade innovations included the integration of mass timber and steel, triple-pane glazing with bird-friendly ceramic frit patterns and vertical sunshades, which collectively advanced the project’s sustainability objectives while enhancing its architectural appeal and operational performance.
• The sustainability team employs PHuis principles to optimize energy use, while enhancing occupancy comfort through advanced indoor air quality (IAQ) measures and the elimination of Red List chemicals in interior finishes.
• A 30% reduction in embodied carbon is achieved through the use of a mass timber structural system, concrete volume reduction, and low-carbon insulation, alongside a 32% reduction in water use compared to a LEED baseline.
• The landscape design aligns with the Campus Landscape Master Plan, emphasizing meadows, botanical elements and low-mow landcover.