Historic Preservation Meets Green Building With Archdale Renovation
The oldest building on campus will get a much-needed facelift this summer. Archdale Hall, a 7,600-square foot faculty office building, will undergo a renovation that will both improve the building’s energy efficiency and bring its interior to closer to its historical appearance.
The renovation will be the first large-scale construction project since Guilford signed the Presidents Climate Commitment last year. As part of the pledge, Archdale will meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification standards
Archdale Hall was built in 1885 for $6,100, using bricks salvaged from the first King Hall, which had burned the year before. It was overhauled twice, in 1927 and 1968. Shortly after Archdale’s conversion from residence hall to faculty office building, the 1968 update brought in drop ceilings and wood paneling.
The current project will remove all of the 1968 finishes and replace them with fixtures more typical to the early 20th century. The restored wood floors, wall wainscoting, transoms over office doors, high ceilings and restored plaster will reflect Archdale’s original character, but with mechanical, electrical, plumbing and insulation of the modern era.
In addition, the renovation will add sustainable features such as a rainwater cistern system and waterless urinals. Super-insulation in the attic and crawlspace will allow the building’s original plaster walls to remain intact.
Spectrum Design, of Roanoke, Va., is the project’s architect. Greensboro’s Lomax Construction Inc. is the general contractor.
May 22, 2008