A new limestone and granite servery addition partially enclosing an internal grass courtyard is the most outward indication of this comprehensive renovation of James Gamble Rodger's historic 1931 complex, located adjacent to both the Sterling Memorial and Beinecke Rare Book Libraries in the heart of the Yale University campus.
A new limestone and granite servery addition partially enclosing an internal grass courtyard is the most outward indication of this comprehensive renovation of James Gamble Rodger's historic 1931 complex, located adjacent to both the Sterling Memorial and Beinecke Rare Book Libraries in the heart of the Yale University campus.
The project features three significant parts. First, the oak-paneled dining hall was preserved while introducing new infrastructure and repair to the fabric with new electrical, data, lighting, mechanical and fire-protection systems, leaded-glass windows and ramps for the physically disabled. Second, all prime food preparation was relocated into a renovated basement. Finally, the former kitchen was joined to the new addition through a series of dramatic openings in the existing masonry walls to create a unique space for the servery.
All three elements preserve the magnificent environs of the landmark building while seamlessly introducing a contemporary program into it. Golden oak, textured plaster and dark oxidized bronze find modern complements in stainless steel, integral color Fin-Ply and green slate. The project rejects both outright mimicry of the existing and a new form disconnected from it. Instead, the project seeks to tightly weave the old and new together in a complex layering of visual depth, formal inventiveness and material affinity.
© 1997– KieranTimberlake
[ 420 N 20 Street, Philadelphia PA 19130.3828 | V 215 922 6600 F 215 922 4680 ]
read more