Carleton College’s vision was clear: modernize its science facilities without increasing energy use. Our team was there to help them reach that goal—and more. The new Evelyn M. Anderson Hall is now part of an integrated science complex that increased overall square footage by 33% while reducing energy use by 41%. By using integrated energy modeling from the start, combined with onsite wind power and high‑performance design strategies, Carleton achieved LEED Platinum certification for the project, the highest level of LEED recognition.
Anderson Hall replaces the old Mudd Hall of the prior Hulings-Olin-Mudd complex. At the center of the complex lies a sun-splashed atrium that unites the new building with the other two structures. The atrium is activated by a series of bridges and cascading stairs that connect multiple level changes. The character of Olin Hall—designed by famed American architect Minoru Yamasaki in 1961—was preserved while it was reimagined to house “dry” sciences of psychology, computer science, and computational research. Hulings Hall seamlessly integrates biology, neuroscience, and biochemistry teaching and research labs across every floor. A new cascading stair in the light well invites movement and connection throughout.
Bridging these two transformed buildings, Anderson Hall aligns with Hulings’ floor levels, creating a dynamic, flexible laboratory block for chemistry, geology, and physics. With its sightlines extending across the new atrium to Olin, Anderson Hall becomes the connective tissue—both physically and academically—of this reimagined science hub.
This high-performance design exceeds Carleton's sustainability mandate by adding space while reducing energy use. We collaborated across disciplines and used real-time modeling to compare hundreds of design options, identifying the best bundle of features and technologies that produced exceptional high performance.
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