Fleck Hall: Andersson-Wise Architects Revamps an Old Science Building Instead of Tearing It Down

Rather than tear down their aging science building, <a href="http://www.stedwards.edu/" target="_blank">St. Edward's University</a> in Austin, Texas decided to take a different approach to updating it. Knowing that the bones of the building, called Fleck Hall, were solid and sound, the university at the urging of <a href="http://www.anderssonwise.com/projects/id/35/" target="_blank">Andersson-Wise Architects</a>, decided to renovate the structure, add a number of sustainable strategies and improve the classrooms to bring them up to date. The original two-story building got a new glass curtain wall, an updated roof and a third floor addition to become the new home for classrooms, offices and the <a href="http://www.stedwards.edu/academics/schools/education" target="_blank">School of Education</a>.

In 2006, St. Edward's University completed the <a href="http://www.stedwards.edu/academics/schools/naturalsciences" target="_blank">John Brooks Williams Natural Science Center</a> and faculty moved from Fleck Hall into the new facility.

At the time, the plans were to demolish Fleck Hall and build a new facility for the <a href="http://www.stedwards.edu/academics/schools/education" target="_blank">School of Education</a>.

Architect Arthur Andersson considered the proposal and advised the university to take a different approach.

He felt the building was worth saving because it was a lasting, adaptable structure built with a consistent concrete grid.

He then proposed to revamp the building, add modern touches, sustainable technology and expand it by adding a third floor on the roof.

The structurally sound building was given south facing glass curtain wall and a new glazed third floor, to house conference rooms and an intimate, executive dining room for St. Edwards’s fundraisers.

The two existing floors were converted into state-of-the-art classrooms and faculty office spaces, and feature an experimental classroom, gallery space for presentations, and a lounge area with computer work stations.

Materials were also responsibly re-used, which cut down costs and use of new resources and the new curtain wall flooded the space with daylighting.

Ground floor plan.

Second floor plan.

Third floor plan.