The Hun School of Princeton, Chesebro Academic Center

Princeton, New Jersey

Firm

Saphire + Albarran Architecture LLC

Client

Trustees of The Hun School of Princeton

Area

37,400 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$2,375,000

Completion Date

04/2001

Expanding and upgrading a library in the main academic building of this architectural and academically distinctive prep school in central New Jersey presented many design challenges. Although the primary focus was to design a library facility for the 21st century, the building’s prominent location on the campus presented the opportunity to restate this school’s “brand,” and enable it to remain distinctive and competitive among secondary schools of its type. This work was accomplished on a tight schedule while the building remained in continuous use.
The design team tackled the project in two phases. The first phase consisted of redesigning the existing library over the summer. Situated on the upper of two floors between two banks of classrooms, this area was revamped to house computer classrooms for research and instruction. The second phase is an addition that extends from the existing building down a dramatic slope to one arm of the classroom wing. This area contains additional library space and a faculty resource room. Reading areas are accommodated in the curved element that extends over the hill to take advantage of views and natural light.
The existing building’s exterior (painted concrete block) was upgraded. The new facade is constructed of tan brick with rounded edges and various coursing styles, accented with chocolate-colored brick.