Design Profile: Amos Hall Additions and Renovations

“A deep and lasting desire for learning, a willingness to ask questions and pursue skeptical, independent inquiry” is the mission of St. Andrews School of Delaware. This mission was at the forefront of the project team’s thoughts during the re-imagining of Amos Hall, a 29,000 sf science and math facility. Transformation, collaboration and connection were the tenets of the project. Amos Hall was in good condition but its organization reflected outdated learning methodologies and provided few spaces for informal learning. Zimmerman Studio LLC worked collaboratively with the faculty, students, and administration to develop a program that supported current and future needs with a more flexible and active learning environment. The primary goal of the renovation was to provide students with an open, flexible and stimulating environment for academic and social engagement.

The reconfiguration inserts open corridors and flexible classrooms and laboratories within the footprint of the existing building. Using the same space more effectively resulted in areas dedicated to a variety of learning spaces. The reconfiguration created dedicated space for computer science, robotics, and collaborative project rooms in addition to laboratories and classrooms. Glass walls and partitions enhance a sense of community and put “science on display” at several scales. One long exterior wall was replaced with high-performance glass which brings views of the 2,200-acre campus into the building. Interior glazed partitions provide visual connections between spaces, to make science and math more accessible. Private faculty offices were replaced with shared departmental offices. This has increased collaboration among faculty members and fostered a department-wide sense of purpose.

Project: Amos Hall Additions and Renovations

Location: Middletown, DE

Client: St. Andrew’s School of Delaware

Project Size: 29,000 sf

Project Team:
Zimmerman Studio LLC (Architect and Interior Designer)

Ground Reconsidered (Landscape Architect)

Keast & Hood Company (Structural Engineer)

Entech Engineering (MEP Engineer)

KMK Technologies (Technology Consultant)

Photos: Halkin Mason Photography