Herzog & de Meuron Reuses Foundations for Mass-Timber School Building
Amherst College's new student center blends sustainability with innovative design.
1Reusing Brutalist Foundations
Herzog & de Meuron repurposed the concrete foundation of the 1960s Merrill Science Center at Amherst College for their new Student Center Dining Commons. The brutalist structure, originally designed by Campbell, Aldrich and Nulty, was expanded from 80,000 to 120,000 square feet. This approach preserved the site's history while accommodating modern needs. The McGuire building, which previously abutted the site, was demolished to open up views previously blocked by the old structure.
2Mass-Timber Innovation
The upper levels of the new building feature mass-timber construction, using Canadian Black Spruce. The timber structural columns were connected to the existing concrete columns using a split-beam and corbel system, creating a hybrid timber-concrete structure. The third and fourth levels are almost entirely mass timber, emphasizing sustainability. This design reduces embodied carbon by 33% compared to similar buildings, aligning with Amherst College's carbon neutrality goals.
3Material and Aesthetic Choices
The upper levels are clad in lightly oiled Western Red Cedar, while the lower levels feature cedar stained nearly black, creating a gradient effect. Deep eaves were added to provide solar shading and shelter for outdoor areas on the third and fourth levels. The design also includes a central stairway and circular openings in the concrete floor plates, enhancing connectivity and natural light flow throughout the building.
4Functional Layout
The building houses dining functions on the first two levels, with social spaces and lobbies on the upper floors. A central hallway navigates the site's slope, connecting the upper quad to the green space entrance. Glass panes above the primary passageway offer views into the dining area, while wood details like gridded ceilings and walls add warmth to the interior. Concrete elements were left exposed in certain areas for a raw, industrial aesthetic.
5Sustainability Features
The project incorporates solar panels on the pavilion structures of the fourth level, contributing to a 93% reduction in operational carbon. The mass-timber construction and reuse of existing foundations significantly lower the building's carbon footprint. These features align with Amherst College's broader climate action initiatives, making the building a symbol of sustainable campus development.
6Community and Wellbeing
The Student Center Dining Commons creates communal spaces for student life, including a winter garden courtyard and a black-box theater. The design emphasizes openness and connection to the campus, fostering a sense of community. The building also includes religious spaces and a pub, catering to diverse student needs and enhancing campus wellbeing.
7Historical and Future Link
The project bridges Amherst College's history with its future by integrating the site's brutalist legacy into a modern, sustainable design. Christoph Röttinger, Herzog & de Meuron's associate partner, highlighted the building's role in pursuing climate action as a shared priority. This approach reflects the college's commitment to both its heritage and its carbon-neutral aspirations.
8First U.S. Educational Project
This building marks Herzog & de Meuron's first completed educational project in the United States. The studio, known for its innovative designs, has also recently completed the Calder Gardens art museum in Philadelphia and is collaborating on converting the former Birkenstock campus into a design museum. This project underscores their growing influence in sustainable architecture.