CU Boulder Hellems Arts & Sciences Building Renovation

A Modern Reinvigoration of a Historic Icon

The Hellems Arts and Sciences Building at the University of Colorado Boulder is undergoing a major renovation aiming to achieve LEED for New Construction Version 4 Gold Certification. The project includes comprehensive energy modeling and a comparative study of similar campus buildings to fine-tune the final energy goals. The renovation will also enhance the building’s thermal envelope with new windows, integrate high-efficiency HVAC systems, and install high-efficiency water fixtures, all contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient space.

The 95,000-square-foot Hellems Building will house a variety of academic spaces, including faculty offices, 22 classrooms, and departments like History, English, Philosophy, Linguistics, and Communications, as well as the Anderson Language Tech Center (ALTEC) and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. The renovation project will focus on creating a modern and welcoming environment that meets the needs of the diverse academic programs housed within the building.

The design will include updated interior and exterior lighting systems and will prioritize building goals, values, space needs, infrastructure, and equipment to support the building’s varied functions. CU Boulder aims to transform Hellems into a forward-thinking, energy-efficient facility while preserving its iconic presence on campus

Client: Hacker Architecture & Interior Design
Lighting Design, Sustainable Design, New Construction, Higher Education