John W. Olver Design Building, University of Massachusetts Amherst slider image
John W. Olver Design Building, University of Massachusetts Amherst slider image
John W. Olver Design Building, University of Massachusetts Amherst slider image
John W. Olver Design Building, University of Massachusetts Amherst slider image
John W. Olver Design Building, University of Massachusetts Amherst slider image
John W. Olver Design Building, University of Massachusetts Amherst slider image
John W. Olver Design Building, University of Massachusetts Amherst slider image
John W. Olver Design Building, University of Massachusetts Amherst slider image

John W. Olver Design Building, University of Massachusetts Amherst

with Leers Weinzapfel Associates

The first cross-laminated timber (CLT) academic building in the United States and winner of the 2020 COTE Top Ten Award, the Design Building exemplifies integrated sustainable design principals and is the foundation for for the Design, Planning, & Construction programs at UMass Amherst.

Atelier Ten led the environmental and lighting design for this extraordinary, LEED Gold interdisciplinary center. The building massing and orientation prioritizes exterior views and offers daylight to all studios and occupied spaces. Efficient HVAC systems, low-energy lighting design and controls, a high-performance insulative envelope and electrochromic glass result in a predicted annual energy cost savings of 42%. Over 97% of new wood is FSC-Certified, including 100% of the CLT. The accessible rooftop courtyard has skylights and custom lighting solutions that illuminate the lobby both day and night.

Atelier Ten provided guidance and design analysis for façade and daylight optimization. The architectural lighting system accents the distinctive wood and concrete enclosure, automatically responding to daylight levels to enhance visual enjoyment and energy efficiency. Post-construction, Atelier Ten provided Measurement & Verification services to monitor the on-going operational systems and verify as-built operational performance.