SCUP/AIA-CAE Excellence in Architecture for Restoration or Preservation,
Merit Award

Duke University for the East Campus Steam Plant with SmithGroup

Photo by jaymangumphotography.com

Photo by Jerry Blow, AIAP

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Built in 1928 and abandoned in the 1970s, the historic East Campus Steam Plant at Duke University had fallen into disrepair. It was originally designed by Horace Trumbauer, the architect of Duke’s East and West Campuses.

The university considered many site options, but decided to renovate the existing building. The building used to be a steam plant located on top of existing steam lines and tunnels so infrastructure did not need to be recreated, resulting in savings. The university combined a need for more steam and a desire to revitalize a neglected part of campus into one project.

Main goals were to restore the building to its original character; meet infrastructure needs; reduce the carbon footprint and reduce reliance on coal by 70%; and revitalize the site and surrounding area.

The project helped transform the decaying precinct, restore the historic charm of this part of campus and make way for future building restoration.

The jury said, “ . . . level-headed . . . they had a sense of humor with it . . . great project . . . reduced coal consumption by 70% . . .”

One source of damage was the growth of vegetation on and throughout the structure. Plant growth caused structural damage to the masonry, cracking the walls and shifting them out of plane. During renovation, old industrial artifacts from the original plant were salvaged and reused. Nearly 90% of the existing structure and envelope was reused.

Two themes were sustainable design and historic preservation. Sustainable systems and methods were incorporated in the design and the university was able to preserve a greenfield site.

Building restoration focused on detailed brickwork, large arched window openings, and a 175-foot tall smokestack. Nearly all the face-brick was in good condition, so no new brick was needed. Dismantled units were cleaned, sorted and reinstalled.

The steam plant achieved a LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council. The university reduced its carbon footprint by reducing coal consumption by over 70%, something rarely accomplished with one building.

“The renovation of the East Campus Steam Plant is a true testament that old buildings innovatively repurposed can make just as much, if not more of an impact on the campus fabric than those that are built new,” says Floyd Williams, project manager at Duke University. “This building will truly leave a lasting impression on the university and the academic community, he adds.”

Project Team: Duke University with SmithGroup; also RMF Engineering; Lappas + Havener, PA; Balfour Beatty Construction