Glavé & Holmes Architecture is pleased to announce that our design for Washington Hall Exhibit at Washington and Lee University has won First Place in the Historic Preservation category of the 2013 Interior Design Excellence Awards.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Washington Hall (c. 1824) was known as “the Center Building”, an appellation referencing its central importance as much as its physical location in Washington and Lee’s historic Colonnade. Important administrative functions, including the offices of the President, Provost, and University Development, fill the 24,400 square feet of this elegant three-story building.

Working within the confines of a historically significant lobby space while adhering to the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation and LEED principles, the design sought to reconcile four main goals: (1) Create exhibit space used to educate people about and honor George Washington’s role in founding the university; (2) provide a beautiful and welcoming public lobby; (3) provide space honoring University benefactors; and (4) make sure students and faculty still felt comfortable using the space, thereby keeping it active and lively.

We are pleased to announce that our Interior Design Studio has received First Place in the LEED category of the 2012 ASID IDEA Awards for their work at Washington and Lee University’s Hillel House.

Constructed in 2010, the Hillel House is located on Washington and Lee University’s campus in Lexington, Virginia. Washington and Lee University has a vibrant Hillel organization that, until recently, did not have a dedicated space to call home. The University commissioned a building dedicated to Jewish student life to advance the University’s commitment to diversity. The facility’s purpose is to support the cultural and religious experience of Jewish students as well as welcoming Washington and Lee’s non-Jewish members. As part of the University’s commitment to sustainability, the building was designed to meet LEED standards and achieved a LEED certification in 2012.

The primary goal was to create a building that serves as a home for the Hillel organization by providing a space to foster community. Since the University’s Hillel organization desired to welcome both Jewish and non-Jewish students to the facility, the design aspired to reference Jewish culture and religion in a non-literal way. Rich materials such as mahogany café windows, a Jerusalem limestone entry wall, and a wooden bowl for Jewish ritual hand washing reflect authenticity and craftsmanship. These elements also incorporate sustainability features, utilizing low-flow plumbing technology and sustainable forestry practices. In addition to these materials, the wood flooring throughout is rapidly renewable strand woven bamboo, a material that supports clients the environmental initiative as well as providing a warm, elegant and practical flooring solution.

An illuminated acrylic panel is located at the central entrance. Inscribed with Hebrew text, this panel captures the essence of the Hillel mission – “Shalom”, meaning peace, completeness, welfare and greetings of welcome. The vibrant colors, textures, materials and furnishings enhance the beauty of sharing through collaboration and celebration of community. Additionally, an elevated terrace provides a place for social interaction and soaking in the natural beauty of the distant mountains.

The National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association is pleased to announce the winners of the 2012 Honors Award. Among the winners is the Mary Brock Forbes Hall at Christopher Newport University. The award was presented to David Russell of Tile & Terrazzo, LLC, the contractor who completed the work.

Please see the attached press release for a complete list of winners.

2012 Honor Award List for Press Release