KEENE, N.H., 3/8/2010 - Keene State College's Pondside III residence hall has received an Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture from the New Hampshire chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIANH). The AIANH awards provide public and professional recognition for architectural projects of design excellence. Each entry is judged on overall design including aesthetics, clarity, creativity, appropriate functionality, sustainability, building performance, and appropriateness with regard to fulfilling the client's program.

In 2008, Pondside III was the first N.H. public building to receive LEED® Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED® is the USGBC's rating system for designing and constructing the world's greenest, most energy-efficient, high-performance buildings. Lavallee Brensinger Architects of Manchester, N.H., were the project architects, and Newman Architects of New Haven, Conn., were the design architects. The construction manager was the MacMillin Company of Keene, N.H.

The $14-million project, which spans 51,300 square feet and has 154 beds, overlooks Brickyard Pond on the Keene State campus. The suite-style building set a new standard for dorm life at the College. Suites with singles, doubles, or a mix of both promote social interaction and support "living and learning" communities centered on academic themes, service learning, leadership, wellness, the arts, and other common interests. The building incorporates super-insulated walls, motion-sensor lights, dual-flush toilets, and recycling rooms on each floor. In their comments, the jury commended the "clever integration of modern and vernacular" and noted the beautiful use of exterior materials and the building's interesting siting. See photos of Pondside III at http://www.keene.edu/planning/slideshows.cfm.

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