Buck dormitory exterior
Sheffield, MA – Renovations were recently completed to Buck Dormitory student residence hall at Berkshire School, a private high school located in Sheffield. Kenneth Boroson Architects, based in New Haven, Conn., designed the renovations and ADA upgrades.
Common area
Originally constructed in 1954, the two-story structure is home to 42 students as well as faculty residences. Designed to blend with the historic buildings on the 400-acre campus, refurbishments included flooring replacement, new energy-efficient lighting, and new furniture throughout. Student bathrooms were redesigned that included the installation of new ceramic flooring, wall tile, and solid surface counters. Corridors and the Common Room also received an update with the installation of durable maple wainscot, new lighting, and a modernized student kitchenette.
The project scope incorporated upgrades to life safety systems including fire alarms and sprinklers, HVAC systems, utility/data upgrades, and code upgrades. Increased thermal and energy efficiency included the replacement of all windows throughout the structure.
ADA ramp
Exterior elements included improved entrance doors with new security access, repairs to the building envelope, roof, and masonry veneer, and repairs to two existing cupolas.
Improvements were made to the site and landscaping, including the addition of new ramps which not only ensure ADA compliance, but complement the surrounding topography.
Comprehensive gut renovations were completed on both faculty apartments located within the building’s original 8,700sf footprint, as well as a 2,500sf faculty residence which was added in 1989. In order to maintain the building’s character, high-end finishes were installed, including custom kitchen cabinets, chair rail and crown moldings, wood flooring, and solid surface counters. The faculty apartment renovations also included the conversion of one unit into a first floor accessible apartment.
Completed on an accelerated eight-month schedule, this $2.6 million project utilized local engineers and contractors based in southwestern Massachusetts.
