Trinity University Dicke Hall + Business and Humanities District

Trinity University’s new Business and Humanities District unites 11 academic departments across two renovated mid-century buildings by Texas Modernist O’Neil Ford with Dicke Hall, a 35,000-square-foot mass timber addition. 

Dicke Hall, San Antonio’s first cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure, celebrates its wood construction with exposed interior panels throughout, reducing the need for additional finishes while creating a warm, contemporary aesthetic. The building cuts embodied carbon by 52 percent and lowers energy use by 90 percent compared with baseline; captures 100 percent of condensate for non-potable uses; and generates 78 percent of its energy through a rooftop photovoltaic array. Native landscaping, rain gardens, and permeable pavers further reduce water demand. 

Renovations to the two original historic buildings strengthened their envelopes, integrated high-performance radiant systems, and employed passive design strategies to maximize daylight and minimize heat gain. A circulation spine and social nodes link the old and new buildings, culminating in a live oak–shaded courtyard that encourages collaboration and connection.