Balancing Heritage & Sustainability: OBE360’s Innovative Approach to Harvard’s Gund Hall Renovation 
 

In the realm of architectural preservation and sustainable design, few projects exemplify the delicate balance between honoring architectural heritage and meeting modern energy standards as well as the recent renovation of Gund Hall at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. This ambitious project, which aimed to dramatically improve the building’s energy performance while maintaining its distinctive mid-twentieth century aesthetics, showcases the power of collaborative design-assist partnerships and innovative technical solutions. 
 

A Challenging Renovation: Modernizing an Iconic Structure 

Gund Hall, designed by Australian architect John Andrews (a GSD alumnus), with its striking glass-enclosed multi-level studio block known as the ‘trays’, has been a centerpiece of Harvard’s design education since its completion in 1972. However, like many buildings of its era, it faced significant challenges in meeting contemporary energy efficiency standards. The renovation project set an ambitious goal: to achieve a stringent overall weighted U-factor of 0.30, significantly improving the building’s thermal performance without compromising its iconic appearance. 
 

OBE360, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope’s design-assist experts known for their innovative approach and collaborative ethos, played a crucial role in the project. OBE360 was engaged by glazing contractor A&A Window Products early in the design phase to consult on the project led by architects Bruner/Cott and general contractor Shawmut Design & Construction. The OBE360 team collaborated closely to provide customized solutions that would meet both the aesthetic and performance requirements of this high-profile renovation. 
 

Clerestory Windows: Engineering from the Outside In 

The clerestory windows, crucial to the building’s distinctive appearance and natural lighting, were surrounded by a complex web of steel trusses that made interior access nearly impossible. OBE360’s solution was both innovative and practical: modifying the head and sill receptors on their TCR-225 window wall system for a more efficient exterior installation, eliminating the need for interior scaffolding or lifts. 
 

To meet the demanding U-factor requirements, OBE360 also adapted the system to accommodate triple-glazed units, increasing the glass pocket to accept 1-3/4” glazing in lieu of the system’s standard 1” insulating unit. This adjustment, supported by extensive thermal modeling, ensured the clerestory windows preserved the building’s aesthetic while significantly improving its energy performance. 
 

East Elevation: Adapting for Slope and Performance 

The east elevation presented another unique challenge with its distinctive slope glazing separating vertical upper and lower walls. OBE360 tackled this by modifying their BMS-3000 single slope skylight system, replacing the standard tubular back member with an I-beam design. This custom solution allowed for seamless integration with the building’s existing structure while significantly improving thermal performance. The vertical sections were upgraded with triple glazing, further enhancing the elevation’s energy efficiency, getting the team closer to their overall U-factor goal.