A Century Reimagined
Merit Award // Rick + Duffy Monahon Award for Design Excellence in Architectural Restoration and Preservation
Architect // Lavallee Brensinger Architects
GC // Wright-Ryan Construction
MEP Engineer // DuBois & King
Civil Engineer // Tighe and Bond
Structural Engineer // Thornton Tomasetti
Landscape Architect // Allen & Major Associates
Description
Originally designed in 1925 by campus architect Eric Huddleston, who was influential in creating the campus master plan and designing many of its iconic buildings, the stately four-story Colonial Revival residence hall, with a prominent location on Main Street near downtown, was the second building to be built on what was then called the east quadrangle. Hetzel Hall, a century-old landmark at the heart of the University of New Hampshire, has been thoughtfully transformed to meet the needs of today’s students. This comprehensive renovation blends modern, technology-rich amenities with the building’s original historic charm. The revitalized interior features updated living spaces, collaborative lounges, and enhanced connectivity—offering a vibrant, contemporary residential experience without compromising the hall’s architectural legacy.
Jury Comments
“It's extraordinary to understand this as student housing, to imagine walking in as a parent of prospective or current students … this is, wow. We'd love to have our children in this environment. It really speaks well to the whole university that they took this building and designated it as student housing for the future. The renovation of an existing, 100-year-old student residence hall is one thing, but this is architecture of historical campus importance refreshed for the 21st century.”
“A strong project in design, but just as strong in energy design. Blower tests in existing buildings are difficult to do well – this one resulted in 20% better performance than the existing! Serious respect for the existing building has been maintained, but the renewal has led to an updated plan, communal spaces of respectful contemporary elegance, and altogether better interior finishes. Architecture as interior architecture of high quality, with commendable attentiveness to wood cabinetry, choices in textiles, colors, and furnishing, constructional details, and interior lighting.”
Photo credit: Blind Dog Photos and architect