Marc, today's charrette was terrific. Thank you for your truly generous collaboration. You've caused me to turn a mental corner. Until recently, I thought that that to do really intelligent buildings, we'd need the right clients, the right engineers, and a premium budget. Thanks to you, I now believe that to do intelligent buildings all we need is INTELLIGENCE!—and the guts to ask the simple questions until we get the answers, and the courage of our convictions to persuade others...

We can do this and it will change things. You've empowered us. Thanks. –Ellen

Vermont Law School Debevoise Hall

Architectural design: Truex Cullins & Partners

Integrated design consulting for a complete rehabilitation and addition to this historic 1893 schoolhouse, now 27,775 sf. The key tension was balancing the need for respectful historic preservation with the mandate that the renovated building meet the highest standards of energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, water conservation, and durability.

Features include a complete building enclosure insulation and air barrier strategy (five-fold reduction in air leakage); new fiberglass frame low-e windows behind the restored historic windows; composting toilets; enthalpy recovery and demand controlled ventilation; local materials and crafts; over 80% construction and demolition waste diversion from landfill.

Despite adding new square footage, oil consumption has been reduced by over two thirds. Debevoise Hall is a LEED Silver project. Occupied 2005.

Links to more information on Debevoise Hall