Steven D. Bell Hall
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Location

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Owner

University of North Carolina

Collaborators +

Project Size

New area: 140,000 square feet

Renovated area: 130,000 square feet

Project Status

Completed

Certifications

Targeting LEED New Construction Gold

Services

Architecture, Interior Design, Planning

Situated on the southern edge of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill campus, the 170,000-square-foot Steven D. Bell Hall addition to the McColl Building expands the Kenan-Flagler Business School while maintaining a cohesive architectural expression with the existing structure.

The design responds to its position at the interface of natural and built conditions. A curved, organic façade faces the adjacent forest to the west, while a rectilinear brick façade on the east references the traditional architectural language of the Business School. A sawtooth roof with skylights unites both sides, drawing daylight into the central circulation atrium. Vertical metal fins in copper, brown, and grey tones echo the colors and textures of the surrounding landscape.

Steven D. Bell Hall is the first building designed under UNC’s Three Zeros initiative, targeting LEED Zero certification for carbon, waste, and water. A high-performing building envelope, energy recovery unit, 475-kW PV array, and integrated stormwater capture system support these goals.