In 1969, Marcel Breuer designed the office and research building for the Armstrong Rubber Company in New Haven, USA. Becker + Becker converted the iconic building into a 165-room boutique hotel. In September 2023, it became the first hotel in the US to be certified as a Passive House (PHI).

Becker + Becker

https://www.beckerandbecker.com

Seamus Payne

Hotel Marcel is the result of the renovation of the Armstrong Rubber Company Building, an office and research building designed by Marcel Breuer in 1969. The iconic structure was transformed into a 165-room boutique hotel. In September 2023, it will become the first hotel in the US to be certified as a Passive House.

This project creates a new model for hospitality through electrification, low operational and embodied carbon. The reuse of the building gives a significant work of modern architecture a new purpose and extends the life of a large steel and concrete structure that is only 50 years old.

The rectangular massing provides an efficient envelope and the large, deep-set windows provide daylight while reducing solar heat gain. The precast concrete panels are air sealed and spray foamed from the inside. New triple glazed windows complete the high performance thermal barrier: air leakage is 10% above EnerPHit criteria.

A microgrid with battery storage aims for an energy balance that uses no fossil fuels. PV panels cover the roof and parking canopies. Excess production is stored in a 1.5 MWh battery bank. By tracking the solar and battery systems and the utility meter, the microgrid manages back-up power, responds to utility demand and enables independent operation.

The hotel uses efficient systems to reduce energy consumption. Heat recovery VRF units transfer heat from warm rooms to cool rooms. Energy recovery ventilators exchange heat between exhaust and fresh air. The water heating system uses air source heat pumps with CO2 refrigerant. Elevators use regenerative braking. Lighting and blinds use low-voltage Power Over Ethernet.

A healthy and comfortable atmosphere for guests and staff is paramount in the hotel. Incoming air is filtered by MERV-13 filters to reduce the amount of airborne pollutants. All surfaces are free of harmful coatings. The electric kitchen uses no fossil fuels and is free of CO and other irritants.