University of Vermont

Jeffords Hall Plant Sciences Building

Burlington, Vermont

Size
100,000 gsf

Services
Programming
Lab Planning
Architecture

Roles
Ellenzweig
Design Architect and Lab Planner

Freeman French Freeman
Architect of Record

Certifications
LEED Gold

Jeffords Hall provides an integrated learning and research environment for two departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: Plant and Soil Science and Plant Biology. Designed to foster interdisciplinary interaction and exchange between the two departments, the building includes flexible teaching and research laboratories, conference and break-out spaces, faculty offices, computer center, general purpose classrooms, and a generous public lobby for special events and social gatherings.

Generic, modular research labs and offices on the upper floors accommodate a variety of faculty research initiatives, while also allowing experiential learning by undergraduate students. The labs are clustered in “neighborhoods” to enhance research synergies and collaboration between faculty and students.

At the ground level, teaching labs connect with the surrounding landscape to create a “living laboratory” for hands-on learning and research. It features edible gardens with annual planting beds, and an arboretum irrigated with water collected from the building’s roof. Growth chambers, potting rooms, and mechanical spaces are located in the basement.

I used to dream about teaching in labs like these.

Donald C. Foss, Ph.D., Professor of Animal Sciences Emeritus
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

University of Vermont