FEBRUARY 10, 2006 | Burlington, Vermont

 

Truex Cullins & Partners Architects received the Excellence in Comprehensive Building Design at the Better Buildings by Design Conference. The conference, sponsored by Efficiency Vermont, was held February 8 th & 9 th at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Burlington. The award was presented to the Burlington-based firm in recognition of the historic renovation and addition to Debevoise Hall, formerly the Old Classroom Building, at Vermont Law School.

The jury specifically commended this project and stated “the project not only incorporates energy efficiency and high performance features, but also showcases an excellent response to historic sensitivity and preservation of the original character, including careful selection and application of materials right down to the furniture design and details. It is hard to improve upon and the broader vision of the client-design team is evident.”

Truex Cullins & Partners Architects worked with Vermont Law School to blend historic preservation with modern, resource saving technology. Some of the environmental strategies used include re-using the building and recycling the materials generated during the construction of the project, improving the thermal efficiency of the existing building envelope, maximizing daylighting and efficient electric lighting and controls, high efficiency heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems and composting toilets. Other strategies were used to minimize waste leaving the building and water use and commissioning the building to ensure optimal building operations. The 28,000sf project is currently seeking LEED Silver (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

As the historic landmark in South Royalton's village center, the design team developed a renovation strategy that would preserve the unusual bell tower, front entrance, windows, floors, stair, hallway and first floor classrooms of the building. The design team also worked to create a seamless transition between the restored areas and the more modern upper floors and the new addition. Architect Rolf Kielman collaborated with the Guild of Vermont Furniture Makers to design furniture for the building using FSC certified wood from New England, with simple, clean lines reflecting the history of the building.

The design team included the following consultants: Environmental Consultant: Marc Rosenbaum, Energysmiths; Historic Preservation Consultant: Lyssa Papazian; Construction Manager: HP Cummings Inc.; Recycling: Recycling Network (RN); Structural Engineer: Engineering Ventures; Mechanical and Plumbing Engineer: Kohler & Lewis; Electrical Engineer: Hallam Associates; Landscape Architect: Wagner-McCann Studio; Lighting Design: J & M Lighting Design.

Truex Cullins & Partners Architects has been doing business regionally, nationally, and internationally since 1968 and is committed to the practice of sound building design.