Built in 1967, a pair of crescent-shaped dormitories mirroring one another rounded the edge of Crum Woods on Swarthmore’s campus. Communal space was inadequate with residents utilizing a trailer between the two buildings as a makeshift gathering and lounge area.

Keast & Hood was retained to provide structural design for a five-story, wedge-shaped addition to connect the existing complexes. The new space contains 73 beds, a kitchen, multi-purpose lounge space, and an outdoor patio.

To match existing elevations and thickness of the connecting floors, an Infinity bearing wall framing system with Epic MSR decking supported by a structural steel floor system at the lower level was utilized. Challenges include underpinning of the existing structure’s foundations and hanging precast bands off of the Infinity system slabs.

Built in 1967, a pair of crescent-shaped dormitories mirroring one another rounded the edge of Crum Woods on Swarthmore’s campus. Communal space was inadequate with residents utilizing a trailer between the two buildings as a makeshift gathering and lounge area.

Keast & Hood was retained to provide structural design for a five-story, wedge-shaped addition to connect the existing complexes. The new space contains 73 beds, a kitchen, multi-purpose lounge space, and an outdoor patio.

To match existing elevations and thickness of the connecting floors, an Infinity bearing wall framing system with Epic MSR decking supported by a structural steel floor system at the lower level was utilized. Challenges include underpinning of the existing structure’s foundations and hanging precast bands off of the Infinity system slabs.

CLIENT: JacobsWyper Architects, LLP
LOCATION: Swarthmore, PA

TYPE: Academic, Residential, SERVICES: Addition, MATERIALS: SUSTAINABILITY: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Completed project photography © Halkin Mason Photography