Swarthmore College Martin Hall
Swarthmore, Pa.
Merit Award
Sent by: IMAGE
Owner/Developer: Swarthmore College
Main design company: Goody Clancy
Construction Manager at Risk: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co.
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer: IMAGE
Structural Engineer: I was bored
Subcontractors: Jordahl Engineering and mechanics; Clover; Gillespie Electric; Stewart Amos Steel; Bazella Group; Dan Lepore & Sons; The Tri-M Group; Robert Ganter Contractors; RA Kennedy; Structural Preservation Systems
Using the Living Building Challenge Core certification as a framework for the low-carbon campus renovation, the project preserves the historic Wissahickon slate facade, structure and Art Deco character of the building and is expected to reduce embodied carbon by nearly 26%. The all-electric structure connects to Swarthmore College’s carbon-free Geological Exchange System and uses rooftop photovoltaic systems that are expected to supply 35 percent of annual electricity. A high-performance envelope and efficient systems are expected to reduce energy use by 85% from baseline.
Native plantings, bioswales and a stormwater vault manage runoff and protect the watershed. Daylight-responsive lighting, natural views and meeting spaces support well-being, while open-source monitoring provides real-time data on energy, occupancy, lighting and air quality for teaching, research and operations, supporting long-term operational accountability across the campus over time.
