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I MPACT O N L EARNING SOLVING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS, ONE PIECE AT A TIME Folwell Hall project SNAPSHOT PROJECT: Folwell Hall Renovation INSTITUTION: University of Minnesota LOCATION: Minneapolis, Minn. The University of Minnesota realized a successful balance of improved energy efficiency and retention of Folwell Hall's classic collegiate character during a recent renovation of the facility, thanks to the installation of 500 traditionally styled, high-performance, low-maintenance windows. THE CHALLENGE The University of Minnesota's historic Folwell Hall completed three years of extensive renovation, just in time for a new academic year. Students, faculty and staff now enjoy a more comfortable, energy-efficient interior without sacrificing the exterior's classically collegiate character. Contributing to this delicate balance of architectural preservation and modernization, Kolbe provided nearly 500 traditionally styled, high-performance, low-maintenance windows. Although a $15 million exterior renovation restored much of the grandeur, the 127,700-squarefoot interior still left much to be desired. Stairwells were too narrow for emergency stretchers, offices were cramped and the more than 12,000 students that met in Folwell's 30 classrooms were at the mercy of wildly fluctuating temperatures caused by outdated, inefficient windows and an antiquated HVAC system. "With some of these classrooms, you have a choice between very noisy or very uncomfortable," says Gary Oehlert, associate dean for planning in the College of Liberal Arts in an interview with the Minnesota Daily. "Turn the air conditioner on and you can't hear. Turn the air conditioner off and everyone roasts." THE SOLUTION The building's $34.5 million interior renovation project set out to remedy this problem by replacing 400 existing windows with new energy-efficient units from Kolbe. Kolbe's Ultra Series Sterling double-hung units with standard LoE2-270 double-pane insulating glass were selected to meet the university's requirements, as guided by Miller Dunwiddie Architects and McGough Construction. "Two of the main goals for Folwell Hall were to protect its historic significance and to improve its energy efficiency," reiterates Miller Dunwiddie's project manager, Denita Lemmon, AIA. "Kolbe's very large double-hung window system met the both the aesthetic and performance specification." Kolbe created custom "Folwell" finishes: a white oak interior species was chosen and stained a deep, dark brown to match the color and grain of the existing interior trim. The exterior's recycled aluminum cladding was painted in a custom gray 70 percent fluoropolymer, which is tested to meet the industry's most stringent performance requirements for finishes. IMPACT ON LEARNING "Kolbe delivered as promised. We were impressed with the quality of the product," says Tim Mahanna, McGough's project superintendent. Addressing the achievements of Folwell Hall's renovation, Scott Elton, assistant to the associate dean for planning in the University of Minnesota's College of Liberal Arts, states, "The environment in which students learn is … dramatically improved, both in terms of the HVAC/sound issues and comfort, and also in the connectivity of the classrooms to the world." IOL COMPANY NAME: Kolbe Windows & Doors WEBSITE: www.kolbe-kolbe.com editor's REVIEW Appearances matter. Research indicates that students (and their parents) base part of their decision for selecting a college or university on first impressions of its facilities. Students notice how "green" an institution is as well. The attention to detail that went into the renovation of Folwell Hall that has allowed the university to retain the classic appearance of the facility while upgrading its interior spaces for much improved HVAC/acoustics issues and increased energy efficiency is a testament to the university's pride in itself and its mission, and will benefit current and future students for years to come. MARCH 2013 / COLLEGE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT 27