Caldwell Hall

Photo by Sam Simpkins courtesy of Belmont University

With respect to architectural legacy and consideration for setting and sustainability, Belmont University’s Tennessee campus ranked #11 on Architectural Digest’s 2022 list of the prettiest college campuses in the United States that “create a place as beautiful as it is educational.”

Supporting students who choose to live on this beautiful campus, Alexander Metals has installed a variety of Tubelite aluminum framing systems on numerous student residential buildings, including Dickens Hall (2012), Horrell Hall (2013), Russell Hall (2014), Tall Hall (2018) and Caldwell Hall.

Caldwell Hall

Opened in 2022, Caldwell Hall’s 10-story, 268,000-square-foot residence tower is Belmont University’s largest residence hall. It comfortably houses more than 600 students within 162 units in 20 different configurations to meet the growing needs and preferences of its students. Tubelite 6-inch-deep Series 400 Curtainwall and medium stile entrance systems were selected by Earl Swensson Associates (ESa) to create a high-performance, collegiate Tudor-style exterior consistent contextually with the established campus architectural language.

Single, double and triple window bays feature precisely aligned and proportioned muntin grids to emphasize the Tudor detailing. All of Tubelite’s aluminum framing was installed by Alexander Metals and finished by Linetec in a Quaker Bronze color to further harmonize the appearance. Brick and light stone masonry provide contrasting visual layers within the physically articulated façade to separate the overall mass of the large structure.

Caldwell Hall

Photo by Sam Simpkins courtesy of Belmont University

University planners sought to accommodate growing enrollment by offering as many beds as possible with careful consideration for sustainability and adaptability. As part of its unique design, a three-story, atrium lobby overlooks the basement lounge at the elevated bridge entry. The interior framing system was created using Tubelite E4500 Series Storefront and was finished to match the exterior curtainwall.

The project and ESa were recognized with a 2023 outstanding design citation by American School & University.

Tall Hall

Photo by Sam Simpkins courtesy of Belmont University

Tall Hall

Positioned atop one of the highest elevations in Nashville, Tall Hall offers some of the city’s best views through Tubelite’s aluminum framing systems. At 243,000 square feet, the building also is Belmont University’s second-largest residence hall. In addition to its notable size, the building is certified LEED Gold.

Helping define this significant structure, Alexander Metals installed Tubelite 7.5-inch-deep Series 400 Curtainwall, center-set T14000 Series Storefront and medium stile doors. Tubelite’s high-performance aluminum framing systems also contribute to the building’s daylight and views, thermal comfort, energy efficiency and recyclable materials.

Supporting the classic academic styling Tubelite systems are finished by Linetec in Bone White to intentionally contrast with the traditional brick exterior. The uppermost window openings feature radius-topped curved framing accented with masonry arches. Horizontal framing were proportionally scaled across all openings – whether on a single room’s window bay or a multi-story three-sided stairwell tower enclosed with curtainwall.

As an environmentally responsible finishing services provider, Linetec paints and anodizes Tubelite aluminum framing using no- and low-VOC finishes, which were prioritized on Tall Hall. Linetec also serves as Tubelite’s single-source solution for stretch forming the curved aluminum and thermally broken framing, supporting the building’s aesthetic and performance goals.

Further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, Belmont University reported 24% of all materials (by cost) installed on Tall Hall contain recycled content, energy use was reduced by at least 30% over a baseline building and approximately $107,950 in annual energy savings have been achieved. The project won ABC Greater Tennessee 2019 Excellence in Construction Merit Award in the $30-100 million category.

“It’s exciting to see what we’ve done here for our students,” said Belmont University’s president, Bob Fisher, at the project’s topping-out construction milestone. “The views from the top of this building, or even the views from the lower part of this building, are going to be spectacular. It’s going to house 611 of our students when it’s done.”

Fisher added, “This is our commitment to keeping our students close, keeping them as part of the Belmont community. We find that so many of our students want to stay on campus.”

Opened in 2018, Tall Hall provides more space for juniors and seniors to remain as residents on campus. As of 2024, there are 16 residential halls with more than 5,000 rooms available for students attending Belmont University.

Thanks to the collaborative approach between Tubelite, Alexander Metals, R.C. Mathews Contractor, ESa architects, ChaseCo and Belmont University, a harmonious campus design continues to evolve and to support students’ academic growth.

Tall Hall

Photo by Sam Simpkins courtesy of Belmont University

Belmont University, 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212; https://www.belmont.edu