KROON HALL at Yale University

Yale's newest building is also one of our nation's most environmentally responsible. Kroon Hall, home to Yale's School of Forestry & Environmental Studies has truly set a new standard for sustainable design and is projected to receive a Platinum rating in the U.S.G.B.C.'s LEED program.

Kroon Hall sits close to Eero Saarinen's 'whale' shaped ice rink and Sachem's Wood on a site that was previsouly home to an oil-fired power plant and impervious surfaces.


The 56,467 sq ft. structure houses offices for 50 faculty and staff, 3 classrooms, Burke Auditorium, Ordway Learning Center and Library and the Knobloch Environment Center.

It's total energy consumption is 50% less than conventional buildings, according to ASHRAE standards. Photovoltaics generate approximately 1/4 of Kroon's electricity. The building also features a geothermal energy system.

A water recyling system is projected to reduce potable water consumption by 75% saving 500,000 gallons per year. The building also features waterless urinals and a solar water heating system.


All of the wood used for paneling, trim and roof decking is FSC certified and half of the Red Oak paneling came from Yale-Myer's, the school's forest in northwest Connecticut.

The long, narrow shape of the building adds not only to it's unique aesthetic, but maximizes the building's southern exposure. This, in turn, helps to deliver natural light throughout the space, minimizing the need for artificial lighting. The design is also ideal for increasing the efficiency of photovoltaics with it's large southern-facing roof surface area.




A rainwater re-use system includes this outdoor water garden which doubles as a cleansing pond. Runoff water from the building's roof and from portions of the ground is collected and held in a settling tank where most of the sediment is collected. The water eventually flows through the treatment pond pictured at left. The boxes will eventually be filled with aquatic plants which will not only create a serene atmosphere, but assist in cleansing the water. The water is then re-used for flushing toilets and irrigation.

Design Architect: Hopkins Architects
Executive Architect: Centerbrook Architects
For additional information about this groundbreaking structure, visit http://environment.yale.edu/kroon/