Colony Hall Renovation, The MacDowell Colony, Peterborough, NH

Restoration of Heritage

The revitalization of Colony Hall at The MacDowell Colony honors its artistic legacy while infusing contemporary resilience. The building had suffered deterioration, and subsequent additions blocked incoming sunlight. Limited accessibility, an inadequate kitchen, and a building envelope ill-equipped to meet energy conservation goals required much work. This 100-year-old hub for creative minds was transformed to enhance both its communal spaces and ecological efficiencies. The restoration preserves the hall's historical significance and exemplifies a commitment to sustainable design principles, ensuring that The MacDowell Colony continues to inspire artists for years to come.

Project Highlights:

• Design & Sustainability Innovation: Strategic additions and demolitions were orchestrated to augment natural light and bolster energy conservation, revitalizing the facility. with R-30 insulated walls and an R-50 roof without compromising its historic character.  A wood pellet boiler was used to eliminate the use of fossil fuels.
• Respecting Artistic Roots: The architecture remains true to its New England heritage, with modern interventions delicately woven into the existing fabric, serving today's artistic community.