Wellesley College
tower court renovation
Wellesley, MAssachusetts
In spring 2022, designLAB led the recent renovation of Tower Court, a historic 350-bed dormitory at Wellesley College. The primary goal was to prepare the dormitory for a future low-temperature hot water service (geothermal). An exterior restoration program was paired with interior thermal envelope upgrades, Improvements include wall insulation, new heating distribution, storm windows, and new lighting. Selective repairs are recommended for the brick, cast stone, and slate roofs.
The building’s iconic gathering space, the Great Hall, was made accessible for the first time in its history. Throughout the historic spaces, refreshed colors, lighting, furniture, and infrastructure improve the student experience and enable new types of use. Ornate wood carvings, cast stone, plaster, and original furniture pieces were beautifully restored. The building is refreshed, yet retains its original character. The project introduced new student amenities such as a community kitchen, movie screening room, movement room, wellness nooks, and small gathering spaces.
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Type: Renovation
Size: 104,000 sf
Status: Completed, August 2024
amenities
While the imperative was given to maintain the bed count and configuration of the dorms, with only a light-touch refresh of paint and flooring, the design team found numerous opportunities to improve shared student amenities. Under-utilized spaces were reclaimed as lounge and study areas within the residential corridors, while expanded kitchenettes foster collaborative cooking and eat-in seating. Additionally, spaces that were no longer serving their intended uses, such as the old mail room and telephone closets, were used to create new spaces, like a movement room, community kitchen, and film screening room. Each of these was achieved through light-touch finishes, furnishings, and selective equipment improvements, yet has a substantial impact on the students’ ability to step away from the rigors of study to build camaraderie and community.
accessibility
As a beloved and historically significant space on campus, the Great Hall serves as a gathering and events venue for people of all abilities for the first time in its history.
The design team identified an opportunity to create a celebrated new entry experience from the front elevation, connecting the lower-level Dining Hall with the Great Hall. An ornately carved wood door and handsome vestibule complement the historic setting. The lift is discreetly wrapped in wood paneling, so the Great Hall retains its grandeur, and the new infrastructure is integrated seamlessly. The new procession not only improves access across multiple spaces but also brings dignity to the entire accessible experience, creating a first impression that welcomes all visitors and feels distinctly Tower Court.
energy & envelope
The energy retrofit included a replacement of all steam radiators with new high-efficiency terminal units and all new piping, ready for a future changeover to low-temperature hot water distribution fed by geothermal wells. Less output from the heating units meant improvements were necessary to the exterior envelope to maintain comfort and improve overall energy efficiency, including perimeter wall insulation and interior storm windows. These improvements in energy efficiency represent an important investment in aging infrastructure as part of the College’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2040.
project delivery
The design team worked collaboratively with the College and CM in the earliest planning stages to develop a documentation, purchasing, and delivery strategy that met the aggressive schedule. The project spanned two summers, and the residence hall was fully occupied between phases. The west wing was addressed first (to reduce conflicts with concurrent work in a neighboring structure), and the east wing followed. The construction progressed from the upper floors downward, facilitating a tight sequence of trades and dense activity within the 14-week construction period.
