Dickinson College

The High Street Residence Hall is the first dormitory that Dickinson College has built on its historic campus in nearly 50 years. Recently completed, the 40,500 square foot building accommodates approximately 130 students in a modern, light-filled space that is in perfect union with the existing campus structures. The architect selected limestone for the High Street façade, while standing seam zinc was chosen for the rear façade overlooking a beautiful lawn. The building’s E-shaped floor plan creates peaceful outdoor courtyards and indoor study nooks.

It was the intent of this project to establish new construction standards regarding sustainability for ‘sociable’ and other un-programmed space for future campus housing. The building’s LEED Platinum certification is evidence of success in achieving those standards. Connection to the college’s central energy plant help to reduce emissions, as do energy recovery ventilators, LED high-efficiency lighting fixtures, high-efficiency windows, and energy-efficient exterior walls. Multiple rain gardens, partially watered by condensate off the building’s air-conditioning system, further contribute to the facility’s sustainability. In addition to designing comprehensive MEP systems for this residence, Kohler Ronan provided Information Technology and Security systems design.

Photo credit: © Chris Cooper