Rubin Hall at New York University

From a century-old hotel to a climate-friendly space for student life, Rubin Hall showcases what’s possible through a sustainable transformation of an existing historic building.

Location

New York, USA

Client

New York University

Architect

FXCollaborative

Project Status

Completed

Building Size

Largest residential Passive House retrofit in the world

Award

American Council of Engineering Companies of New York Diamond Award for Engineering Excellence

Gilded Age beginnings

Throughout the 19th century, Greenwich Village teemed with artists, poets and community leaders, and during that time the neighborhood evolved from one of millionaires to one of counterculture and inclusivity. The historic Grosvenor Hotel, built in 1925 on the northeast corner of Fifth Avenue and 10th Street, bore witness to it all.

In 1964, New York University (NYU) purchased the hotel and converted it to student residences, renaming the building Rubin Hall after a university benefactor. The building is a designated historic landmark and part of the Greenwich Village Historic District, signaling its cultural significance.

Nothing passive about it

Like many other buildings from that era, Rubin Hall was built with uninsulated red brick and terracotta, with its windows serving as the only means of ventilation and cooling. For many years, embracing that historic charm meant forgoing modern amenities such as air conditioning and proper insulation.

A modernization project was necessary to enhance student quality of life at Rubin Hall. The renovation focused on updating the historic landmark building while optimizing the building's energy performance in support of the university’s goal to become climate-neutral by 2040. These complementary goals led the team to pursue EnerPHit certification, a prestigious Passive House standard for transforming existing buildings into paragons of energy efficiency through solutions like new windows, improved building envelope and renewable energy sources.

WSP assisted by providing mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) design, fire protection (FP) engineering, energy modeling and lighting design for the renovation and decarbonization of Rubin Hall. The modernization enhanced the student experience by reconfiguring spaces, renovating dorm rooms, restoring the exterior, upgrading the MEP/FP systems and replacing the windows and roof. By embracing EnerPHit techniques throughout, Rubin Hall highlights a profound dedication to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Why not electric

Because Rubin Hall is not fed from the NYU campus heating and cooling systems, it presented the opportunity to make the 17-story dormitory a stand-alone all-electric building, significantly driving down operational carbon emissions.

To successfully convert the 100-year-old infrastructure to a new electrified system, our team located heat pumps in roof areas not visible from the street due to Landmark restrictions, reused existing riser locations for new water distribution and found strategic locations for new mechanical ventilation throughout the old infrastructure. The heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems supported reduced building loads and ambitious envelope and infiltration improvements. Since outdoor space was limited, the system uses the HVAC hydronic loop as a source side of domestic water heating to reduce the total outdoor equipment required. Additionally, dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS) were segregated from the main building heating and cooling, both to limit the capacity needed on the central system and to provide an efficient and easily controlled method of conditioning outdoor air. This also allows the DOAS to be on emergency power, providing tempered ventilation and resulting in a habitable space in the event of a long-term power outage — all without increasing the size of the generator significantly.

Our efficient HVAC systems play a crucial role in keeping indoor temperatures comfortable while slashing energy use. We incorporated cutting-edge LED lighting and smart power distribution to further boost energy efficiency. To further meet sustainability goals, we designed an ultra-efficient water heating system and installed low-flow fixtures. Additionally, our advanced fire detection and suppression systems ensure top-notch safety for students and visitors.

The decarbonization efforts resulted in an American Council of Engineering Companies of New York Diamond Award for Engineering Excellence.

Rubin Hall's modernization enhanced student life by updating the historic landmark and optimizing its energy performance to support the university's 2040 climate-neutral goal.

NYU Rubin Hall rooftop air to water heat pumps.

Lighting the way

Environmentally responsible lighting design was provided for all 258 dorm rooms, the main lobby entrance and diverse second floor amenities spaces. Contemporary LED light fixtures like linear lighting, rectangular pendant lighting, specialty decorative lighting, cove lighting and recessed downlighting all use warm color temperatures to create an atmosphere that is both cozy and conducive to the various needs of dorm living. The energy-efficient lighting design helped Rubin Hall achieve LEED Platinum accreditation.

Student health first

Rubin Hall is part of NYU's First Year Residential Experience, which helps new students transition to campus life, build community and acclimate to New York City as they begin their academic journey.

Given its critical role in the student transition process, creating a welcoming first impression through the renovation project was a priority. Additionally, due to its historical designation, careful consideration was necessary during the planning and construction phases to ensure the historic qualities remained intact.

The successful collaboration resulted in a revitalized landmark that serves residents and the broader university community. Rubin Hall’s transformation exemplifies how thoughtful design and engineering can rejuvenate historic structures while meeting modern sustainability and performance standards.