Holmes Sweet Home
Open gallery
Lewis & Clark opens its newest residence hall for upper-division students.
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The original site’s maple and fir trees were used to create wall paneling, furniture, stair treads, and other features.Robert M Reynolds -
Home to nearly 170 students, Holmes Hall has been built to LEED Gold standards.Robert M Reynolds -
An outdoor patio area, complete with a barbecue and rustic tables, connects Holmes Hall with neighboring Hartzfeld Hall.Robert M Reynolds -
The hall’s floor plans and rooms help students remain connected to the community while respecting their autonomy and privacy.Robert M Reynolds -
President Glassner greeting parents on move-in day.© Steve Hambuchen -
Group-oriented kitchens.Robert M Reynolds -
A bike room and repair station.Robert M Reynolds
Built in keeping with the college’s commitment to responsible stewardship of resources and sustainable practices, Holmes Hall is on track to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards. The building is designed to use 40 percent less water and 26 percent less energy than a typical residential building. In addition, the building’s design makes impressive use of milled and repurposed trees from the site. Up to 75 percent of the original site’s maple and fir trees were used to create furniture, stair treads, wall paneling, and trim.
In response to early focus group research, the layout of Holmes Hall speaks specifically to students’ desire to remain connected to the community while maintaining some autonomy and privacy. Open community gathering spaces (lounges, kitchens, a game room) coupled with large single rooms and suites help meet this need.
A wall of glass reveals a courtyard, complete with a wood-burning fireplace and gas barbecue. The patio area connects Holmes Hall with neighboring Hartzfeld Hall (home mostly to sophomores) to create an open plaza with rich programming potential.
Construction of the new residence halls reflects the college’s desire to create an academic village at Lewis & Clark—a place where living and learning intersect.
