Shattuck Hall at Portland State University has been awarded LEED gold by the U.S. Green Building Council. Designed by SRG Partnership and constructed by Howard S. Wright Constructors, sustainable design ingenuity achieved significant results while respecting the building’s history. This is the third LEED gold project for both PSU and SRG.

Built in 1915 as an elementary school, Shattuck Hall now houses PSU’s Department of Architecture. The 66,000 square foot building showcases a theme of “systems on display” to serve as visible teaching tools for future architects. Building upgrades intentionally expose new and original assemblies and systems, evidenced by the existing reinforced concrete structure, the original 1915 ductwork, and the largest installation of new radiant heating and cooling ceiling panels on the west coast.

“Students and faculty are taking full advantage of opportunities to monitor and display building performance, and have initiated studies on Shattuck Hall within the architecture program,” says Barbara Sestak, Dean of Fine & Performing Arts. “They have completed two comfort surveys, a year apart, to establish baselines and will establish testing parameters to study the building further next year.”

Originally a deferred maintenance project to replace the building’s aged mechanical and electrical systems and improve seismic performance, Shattuck Hall’s renovation evolved to meet PSU’s ambitious sustainability goals while adhering to the original $13 million maintenance budget.

As PSU’s first campus project purposely modeling sustainability, Shattuck Hall provides a prototype for creative design fueled by a modest budget. It is 22.7% more energy efficient than required by Oregon Energy Code, and will save the University a projected $13,000 per year in operational costs. More than 95% of the building materials were reused or recycled during construction.

The project restores daylighting and natural ventilation to previously concealed parts of the building, and creates disabled access to the roof terrace and studio spaces. Additional features include new waterless urinals and low flow fixtures, new occupancy-sensor lighting, time clock shut-offs, daylight sensors, new ceiling fans, and a new telecom distribution network.

“It’s 95 years old and it’s now got all the attributes of a contemporary school,” says Clive Knights, Chair of the Department of Architecture. “And we haven’t had to build a new building for that.”

The project team included Portland State University, owner and developer; SRG Partnership, architecture and interior design; Catena Consulting Engineers, structural engineering; PAE Consulting Engineers of Portland, mechanical, electrical and lighting systems; and Howard S. Wright Constructors, general contractor.