NCH - New Cabell Hall Renovations

New Cabell Hall is situated at the end of the primary axis of the University of Virginia's campus core (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and is considered a contributing building. Designed by Eggers and Higgins Architects and constructed in 1952, it wraps the back of Old Cabell Hall and is the primary point of connection between the historic campus core and a newly expanding area to the south. The phased- while-occupied renovation creates much- needed social/study spaces, enlivens 260- foot-long corridors, and adds a beautiful landscape amenity.

The renovation of New Cabell Hall has had a tremendous impact on the building’s largest user group: students. The building is both a classroom building and also a connector between north and south campus, and it had previously done neither job well. An estimated 9,000 students pass through New Cabell every day—yet the building had been hard to navigate, with few connections to help visitors traverse a four-level grade change between the building’s north and south sides. It was also uninviting; aside from attending classes (in one of 50 classrooms) or office hours (in one of 300 offices), there was no place for students and faculty to meet, study, or socialize.

The renovation remedies these problems of navigation and isolation. Multiple new connections now allow passage through a newly landscaped courtyard or renewed, natural light- filled corridors and staircases. There are now four at-grade accessible building entries, one each on the north, south, east, and west, where before there were none. Students, faculty, and staff benefit from the addition of new gathering spaces—a much-needed amenity in this part of campus—and the cafe is a popular destination in this former food-desert.

The renovated hall supports the university's sustainability mission. A 20% water reduction has been achieved using low-flow faucets, urinals, and toilets, as well as rainwater harvesting for irrigation of the courtyard. A new mechanical system, improved roof insulation, demand control ventilation, Enthalpy economizer, and high-efficiency lighting have improved air quality, thermal comfort and energy performance. Daylighting has been expanded through increased use of interior glazing. This glazing, together with other interior finishes including wood and plaster, add light reflectivity, ease of cleaning, and acoustical privacy.