New England-based A/E firm Harriman's recently completed renovation of a former retirement home into a modern residence hall for 35 Bowdoin College students was awarded a LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council. This is the fourth LEED Gold project in Maine that Harriman has designed.

The renovation project features several sustainable initiatives, including:
* photovoltaic solar panels to offset electricity requirements;
* pine benches and wainscoting constructed with repurposed material that originally served as spectator seating in the former Dayton Ice Arena;
* use of regionally manufactured materials with high recycled content for interior finishes;
* energy efficient lighting and low-flow water fixtures;
* conversion to natural gas from oil for heating, and
* native and water-efficient landscaping.
Along with student enhancements, such as common spaces to encourage social interaction, upgraded shared spaces, and quiet rooms, the extensive renovation addressed ADA and life safety requirements and updated and sustainable HVAC systems, and power, lighting, and communications infrastructure.
The Bowdon College Organic Garden was relocated to behind the residence hall, taking advantage of an existing barn for garden operations. This location provides increased campus community involvement with the garden and the opportunity to observe food production through the seasons.
Harriman, founded in 1870, has designed important community-focused buildings throughout New England. The firm's architects and engineers work with educational, healthcare, governmental, corporate, and retail clients to transform their visions into reality.