Skip to main content

 Certified LEED v2009 Silver

Northwest Aerial Perspective
Northwest Aerial Perspective

Originally designed in 1950 by architect Louis Warren Ross, the $9.9 million, 26,500 S.F. renovations to Paige Laboratory transformed the existing building into a modern, energy-efficient, ADA-compliant research and administrative facility for the world-renowned Stockbridge School of Agriculture. The project was designed to support current research while fostering new research initiatives and serves as a recruiting tool for new faculty.

The building includes program administrative space for staff and faculty, and ten agricultural laboratories fully equipped for soil and plant life research. Lab spaces are flexible, reconfigurable, and located in close proximity to one another to promote researcher collaboration. The main entrance lobby features a living wall of plants and provides a comfortable space for socialization and relaxation. Brand new interior finishes emphasize bright and open spaces. Suspended ceilings were removed to expose the mechanical systems and enhance the existing building’s character. The new renovations consolidate core services into a central hub and provide the first permanent home for the school.


Building Information

Address: 161 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003
Completed: Summer 2014
Size: 26,500 GSF
Designer / Architect: Perkins+Will
Construction Manager: J&J Contractors, Inc.
UMass Project Manager: Stephen Lobik
UMass Project Planners: Thomas Huf, Ludmilla Pavlova-Gillham


Sustainability

Resources

LEED Project Scorecard
LEED Project Dashboard
Green Building Brochure

Indoor Air Quality

  • Increased outdoor air ventilation rates by 30% above the ASHRAE standard
  • Developed and implemented an Indoor Air Quality (AIQ) Plan during construction
  • Low-VOC flooring, paints, adhesives, and sealants
  • Individual lighting and thermal comfort controls enable occupants to make adjustments for maximum comfort

Materials + Resources

  • 97% of existing structural elements were reused
  • 80% of construction wastes were diverted from landfill

Water Efficiency

  • Achieved a 42% reduction in potable water use via low-flow plumbing fixtures
  • Water efficient landscaping utilizes natural irrigation systems

Sustainable Sites

  • Walkable to a libraryhotelrestaurants, and other community services
  • Easy access to several PVTA campus bus routes
  • Bike storage with shower and changing facilities provided onsite
  • Compact building footprint maximizes open green space
  • Light-colored roof with high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) reduces the heat island effect

Energy & Atmosphere

  • Cut overall energy use by 35% through efficient space heating and cooling strategies, optimized air handler air flow sizing, advanced lighting and fume hood controls, and utilizing an efficient, cost-effective Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant

Photo Gallery

Northwest Aerial Perspective
Northwest Aerial Perspective

 

Northwest Exterior Perspective
Northwest Exterior Perspective
Entry Common Area
Entry Common Area
Entry Common Area
Entry Common Area
Entry Common Area
Entry Common Area
Research Laboratory
Research Laboratory
Research Laboratory
Research Laboratory
Northwest Exterior Perspective
Northwest Exterior Perspective

All images courtesy of Perkins+Will.  


Media

Videos

UMass Unveils New School of Agriculture Building
WWLP-22News - 11/6/2014

Articles

UMass Celebrates $9.9 Million Renovation of Paige Laboratory for Stockbridge Research
MassLive - 11/6/2014

UMass Paige Laboratories
J&J Contractors, Inc. - n.d.

Photo Highlights: Celebrating Paige Laboratory Renovations
UMass Amherst News & Media Relations - 11/5/2014

University of Massachusetts, Paige Hall Laboratory Renovations
Perkins+Will - n.d.

UMass Amherst Marks Renovation of Paige Laboratory as New Home of Stockbridge School of Agriculture
UMass Amherst News & Media Relations - 11/6/2014