UMass Crotty Hall
Amherst, MA

The landscape created for Crotty Hall, UMass Amherst’s first Net-Zero building, cleans and infiltrates stormwater to reduce impact on the nearby wetland and Campus Pond. The design demonstrates ingenuity within the constraints of a steep site and limited budget, and celebrates native wetland ecosystems.

An elevated walkway leads visitors through the stormwater garden along the entire north face of the building. Runoff from the roof provides irrigation for the garden, and deep soils accommodate and infiltrate stormwater from even major storm events. The planting palette demonstrates ecologically active native wetland plant communities. Black walnuts are the primary canopy trees on site, providing continuity with the canopy in the wetland beyond. Sourwoods add color and seasonal interest to the understory. Industrial materials such as rough concrete walls and folded steel plate extend the architectural vocabulary into the landscape.

Crotty Hall sets a new standard of sustainability for UMass. The project improves the health of the adjacent water bodies, cleaning and infiltrating runoff from the building. It provides a valuable demonstration of the beauty and functionality of stormwater gardens, which improve both the ecological and aesthetic function of the campus environment.

Recognition
BSLA | Merit Award 2018
AIA Western Massachusetts | 2018

Collaborators
Miller Pollin Architecture

Photography
Ngoc Doan