Virginia Tech, Holden Hall

At Virginia Tech, the expansion of Holden Hall has created an academic ecosystem where mineral extraction meets materials innovation. The original 42,100-square-foot building has grown to encompass 102,000 square feet, bringing together the Department of Mining and Mineral Engineering and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Under a single roof, these two disciplines—once separated across campus—now share laboratories, classrooms, and collaborative spaces where students and faculty explore the full spectrum of materials science, from extraction to refinement.

Preserving History While Advancing Technology

The project preserved and renovated the historically significant three-story structure, originally constructed in 1940—a characteristic example of the limestone collegiate Gothic style that distinguishes the Virginia Tech campus. Two multi-story wings now complement the original building, housing advanced research laboratories, computational spaces for cross-disciplinary collaboration, and three 50-seat classrooms equipped with current audiovisual capabilities.

A Confluence of Disciplines

Mining and mineral engineers design solutions that extract and process mineral resources, while materials scientists and engineers study, refine, and seek to improve these resources. The building's design expresses this relationship through distinctive learning experiences, purposeful organization, and architectural details that encourage collaboration between the departments.

Teaching and Research Facilities

The Center for Autonomous Mining anchors the building, featuring a two-story simulated mine where students experience autonomous mining operations while working with mined commodities three to four feet deep. The facility includes 16 instructional laboratories and 19 research labs, organized by function—from crushing and milling to processing and analyzing. This arrangement enables faculty to combine various labs when teaching about the relationship between raw resources and finished materials.

Building Engineering Systems

The engineering of Holden Hall required sophisticated solutions to support its complex research and educational functions. The building's mechanical systems incorporate specialized ventilation designs for multiple laboratory environments, each requiring specific air handling and exhaust configurations. Advanced fume hood controls and monitoring systems ensure safety in chemical processing areas, while refined temperature and humidity control systems protect sensitive research equipment.

The electrical infrastructure includes redundant power systems to maintain continuous operation of critical research equipment, along with specialized power distribution to support high-energy-consuming laboratory apparatus. The building's plumbing systems accommodate various specialized needs, from laboratory gases to purified water systems for research applications.

Integration of these complex systems required precise coordination within the existing structure and new additions. The engineering team developed solutions that maximize vertical space efficiency, utilizing interstitial spaces to house mechanical systems while maintaining accessibility for maintenance. This approach preserved the building's historic character while meeting contemporary laboratory requirements.

Architectural Design Elements

The architecture explores the dialogue between raw resources and finished materials through considered use of light. Traditional building materials, such as tiled walls, are purposefully articulated to reveal concentrated light from concealed fixtures. This interplay between the tangible qualities of stone and the intangible nature of light reinforces the concept of extraction to purification.

Spaces for Connection

The design emphasizes accessible spaces that encourage collaboration and strengthen community. With 38 faculty offices, 18 staff offices, and 132 graduate student spaces, the building facilitates interaction between departments. The facility includes gathering areas where students and faculty engage in impromptu discussions and collaborative work.

Sustainability and Recognition

Registered with the U.S. Green Building Council, Holden Hall achieved LEED Silver certification, demonstrating adherence to sustainable design practices. The building's exterior features 15,300 square feet of Hokie Stone, honoring Virginia Tech's architectural heritage while incorporating effective sustainable building practices.

Impact on Education and Research

The expanded facility enhances Virginia Tech's research capabilities and engineering instruction methods. The additional space accommodates projected enrollment growth while increasing class laboratory, research laboratory, and faculty office space by 35 percent. The building serves not only its home departments but also houses the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research, supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and research advancement.