Maseeh Hall

 

Roll over photo thumbnails to change large image.   All photographs by Benjamin Johnson/Shawmut Design and Construction

DESIGN-BUILD FIRM	Shawmut Design and Construction with Miller Dyer Spears
renovations completed	2011
scope	160,000 gsf
Renovation features	seven stories interior renovated and architectural features restored upgraded building envelope replaced all windows cleaned masonry and re-pointed joints repaired or replaced limestone features re-built and seismicly braced roof parapets replaced the two copper cupolas the iconography of the building was retained with appropriate choices made in the interior furniture, lighting and fixtures
sustainable design elements	total re-use of historical building construction waste management plan that resulted in 93% of waste being recycled and diverted from landfills heat recovery methods incorporated into the HVAC system metered electrical usage by floor that can be utilized by the occupants for energy savings competitions low emitting materials including adhesives, sealants, and paints claiming of cooking grease to be collected and used for bio-fuel claiming of food disposal by-products to be used for compost
Awards	2010 Preservation Award from the Cambridge Historical Commission

Originally built in 1901 and called Riverbank Court, the building was designed to be a hotel with apartments. It was purchased in the late 1930’s by MIT and converted into a residence hall for graduate students and was later named Ashdown House in honor of its first and long-time house master, Avery Ashdown. The building received an extensive renovation in part from a donation by alumnus Fariborz Maseeh. In recognition of his gift to the Institute, MIT renamed the undergraduate residence hall Maseeh Hall.

Opened in August of 2011, Maseeh Hall accommodates 460 students and adds another undergraduate living and learning community to MIT’s residential options. The renovated facility includes the new Howard Dining Hall, designed to encourage informal interactions and provides a full meal plan for residents and dining for other members of the larger MIT community. It creates a pleasant gathering place near the geographic center of the campus.

The renovation the building received is in accordance with the Institute’s environmental goals and contains many sustainable features. These include heat recovery methods in the HVAC system, energy efficient lighting, and sustainable finish materials. The construction waste management plan resulted in 93% of waste being recycled and diverted from landfills. Facilities is applying for LEED Certification for this renovation and expects to receive a LEED Silver rating or higher.

Project Team 

Project Managers/MIT	Sonia Richards, Travis Wanat, and Bernard Richard
DESIGN-BUILD team	Shawmut Design and Construction with Miller Dyer Spears
Structural Engineer	Souza True
Landscape Architect	Michael Immel
food services consultant	Ricca Newmark