Johns Hopkins – Gilman Hall
Project Background and Services:
In the summer of 2010, a major renovation of Johns Hopkins University’s historic Gilman Hall was completed. The architect for the project, R.M. Kliment & Frances Halsband Architects, teamed with Steven Winter Associates, Inc. (SWA), for sustainability consulting services. We guided the design team through the LEED process while ensuring that the historic appearance of this iconic 92-year old building was not affected by the high performance improvements. The existing 147,000 sf building was restored, creating academic classrooms, seminar areas, and faculty offices. A 3-story atrium, built over the existing central courtyard, was constructed to serve as exhibit space for the university’s archaeological collection. The project also includes the addition of two below-grade levels to house mechanical equipment and storage.
Energy Efficiency and Green Building Features:
The building targeted a LEED energy cost reduction of at least 24-percent through improvements to the building envelope, HVAC systems, and lighting. Retaining the original stained glass windows in the main reading room and removing window unit air conditioners throughout the building met both the historic preservation and energy use reduction goals of the project.
In addition to energy efficiency measures, green features of the project included: potable water reduced by at least 30-percent through the use of a combination of low-flow lavatory sinks, dual flush toilets, and low-flow/waterless urinals; 50-percent of wood based materials are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified; new paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, carpets, composite wood, and agrifiber products are low in the emission of volatile organic compounds to ensure improved indoor air quality; and a hybrid flex car is now available to the JHU community to encourage limiting the use of personal vehicles