Location: 
Greenville, South Carolina
Total Square Feet: 68,000
Construction Period: Dec 2003 to Aug 2005

CONSTRUCTION TEAM
Structural Engineer: Professional Engineering Associates - 110 Edgeworth Street, Greenville, SC 29607
General Contractor: Triangle Construction - P.O. Box 6266, Greenville, SC 29606
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: McCracken & Lopez - 1300 Baxter Street, #350, Charlotte, NC 28204
Cost Estimator: Triangle Construction - P.O. Box 6266, Greenville, SC 29606
Pool Design: Bill Robertson Pool Design - 913 Whitegate Drive, Northville, MI 48167

Furman Hall was the first academic building constructed when Furman University relocated to its present campus and has been used continuously for more than 40 years. In an effort to bring its facilities into compliance with current academic standards, Furman Hall selected Neal Prince + Partners to undertake a complete renovation, including reconfiguration of its interior spaces, adding new energy efficient windows, updating HVAC and electrical systems, and providing new computer network systems and new finishes. The 68,000-square-foot building houses nine academic departments, with a capacity of more than one thousand occupants. The renovated Furman Hall blends state-of-the-art technology and building systems within the context of the (traditional) Furman University architecture. 

Neal Prince + Partners worked closely with the Furman administration and staff to develop design criteria and a programmatic layout for the available existing building footprint. The University did not want to consider external additions to the existing building that would encroach upon the open spaces in the heart of campus surrounding Furman Hall; therefore, making efficient use of space became an organizing concept. The Furman campus is typically stylized Georgian architecture, but often classical detailing was absent from building facades constructed in the late 1950’s. The design solution needed to address the image of the building as well as the functionality. New entry elements, complete with proportional detailing, canopies, lighting, and signage add presence and elegance to the prominent edifice. 

Interior spaces were reconfigured to promote easy circulation and to concentrate classroom areas in the middle section of the linear building. Major educational departments were clustered in suites, arranged at the ends of the buildings, while smaller suites were located with easy access to main circulation paths. A sweeping two story monumental stair connecting an enlarged entry foyer and central corridors adds function and beauty to the renovated spaces.

Each classroom was upfitted with current technology, including motorized projection screens, ceiling mounted digital projectors, centralized lighting and HVAC controls, and a document station for each instructor. A working broadcast studio, electronic language lab, multi-media lecture hall, and computer labs were each integrated into the existing structure.

Plain painted concrete block walls were replaced with new partitions and stained wood clad column enclosures. New varied ceiling treatments, such as curved vaults interspersed with groined ceilings, help break up long corridors, while integrated corridor seating nooks provide interaction spaces for students and faculty.

Existing construction was replaced with new energy efficient windows and HVAC units, recyclable carpets and tiles, and high efficiency lighting. As part of the waste management program, over seventy-five percent of construction and demolition waste was diverted from the waste stream. Furman University has adopted a policy of sustainable design, and accordingly, Furman Hall is registered as a LEED® project. The building is currently being reviewed for conformance with a Silver Certification rating. 

A coordinated effort by architect, owner, and contractor resulted in minimum disruptions, particularly during periods of exam preparation and administration. The end result is a handsome addition to the campus fabric and a satisfied client.

MANUFACTURERS/SUPPLIERS
DIV 04: Brick: Hanson Brick. 
DIV 08: Entrances & Storefronts, Aluminum Curtainwalls: YKK America; 
Windows: Traco Historic Series; FRP Doors: Special Lite; Glazing: AFDG Glass supplied by Tri-State Glass; Skylights: Solatube. 
DIV 09: Carpet: Shaw; Porcelain Tile: Crossville; Rubber Flooring & Base: Roppe; Paint: Sherwin Williams; Slate: Vermont Structural Slate; Linoleum: Forbo. 
DIV 10: Louvers: American Warming & Ventilating.