The project gutted the interior of the building but maintained the iconic limestone façade. This choice was dual-faceted. In addition to this preserving historic and cultural significance for the university community, it was also a green building measure—after all, the greenest building is the one that’s already there. By maintaining the existing structure instead of demolishing and building anew, carbon emissions related to the building’s structural system, like steel and concrete (often the most carbon intensive building products), were avoided, and the overall impact was significantly reduced.

The existing insulation and air circulation processes presented significant challenges due to excess moisture. The old building employed a hot deck/cold deck tunnel that fed a series of vertical masonry shafts. The new HVAC system employed a similar strategy, but also included a chilled beam cooling system that replaced outdated window air conditioning units. Additional strategies utilized to optimize energy efficiency included increased insulation and energy recovery. After construction, an open valve resulted in a decrease in the efficiency of the system, and due to the facilities’ team data review and consistent monitoring, the problem was resolved, saving up to $24,000 annually in energy costs.

2019 Distinguished Award in Interiors (AIA Central States Region)

2022 ASHRAE Technology Award

Architect: Substance Architecture
MEP Engineer: IMEG
Contractor: Mortenson Company

Landscape: Iowa State University

Structural: Raker Rhodes Engineering

LEED Consultant: C-Wise Design & Consulting

• 97% diversion of construction waste

• 39% reduction in water use

• 33% reduction in energy use

• Modern accessibility features

• Acoustical control

• Daylighting and a skylight

structural elements

• Reuse of over 70% of existing 

LEED Gold | 2017 | 59,767 sq ft | Ames, Iowa

Originally constructed in 1903, 45 years after the founding of Iowa State University, Marston Hall has become a recognizable symbol for the community for a significant portion of ISU’s lifetime. As such, its LEED renovation, finished in 2017, sought to preserve as many historical elements are possible while incorporating sustainability at every turn to ensure that Marston Hall remains a pillar in the ISU community for many years to come.

• Historic preservation