Brumby Hall, University of Georgia
Constructed in 1965, Brumby Hall is an excellent example of a mid-century modern high-rise residence hall on the University of Georgia campus in Athens. Prior to this project, Brumby Hall had never undergone a comprehensive rehabilitation. The building has a cruciform plan with bedroom wings that extend from the central core. Another distinctive architectural component is the single-story rotunda at the main entry. It was important to respect the mid-century design while modernizing the building systems for optimized energy efficiency. The center rotunda skylight was replaced with careful attention to the replication of historic dimensions. Within the rotunda, the original terrazzo floor was protected and repaired. Student bedrooms were updated to include individualized climate control, modern finishes and flexible furniture configurations. Original historic windows were repaired and retrofitted to preserve the building’s character and optimize envelope performance. This “uncommon modern” structure now welcomes students who enjoy the upgraded facility and features.
Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Rehabilitation recognize excellent rehabilitation projects that also incorporate appropriate conservation and sustainable treatments to lessen a building’s environmental impact while preserving significant features that convey its historic significance.
