What’s New
Before and After. Great design has the power to transform. University campus buildings can be resilient, and this is a fantastic example. Imagine inhabiting a sloped roof office space. Not very workable! This Southern Utah University remodel changes a 1978 exterior (a former solar collector for a swimming pool) into an energy efficient contemporary facade. We cut off the cantilever to increase usable floor area, and created a new facade that faces the main quad. The countdown is on for the ribbon cutting and grand opening May 2nd, which will activate the new main entry and prominent two-story glass volume displaying a cast of a fossilized dinosaur skeleton found in quarries nearby.
MHTNOn November 9th, the new Carolyn and Kem Gardner Commons celebrated its dedication as the University of Utah’s premiere example of interdisciplinary undergraduate academics. MHTN Architects’ design addresses the U of U’s goal of a holistic academic environment that builds student community, by strategic proximities and detailed settings that invite students in a relaxed and collegial student environment.
At five stories tall, the long building sits composed in balance. Its lifted façade anchors and engages the Piazza-Navona-scaled Marriott Library Plaza. Highly transparent, and tall, levels 1&2 invite students from all directions, and establish a cadence of outdoor seating areas, elevated around Tanner Fountain.
The new building replaces and upgrades the legacy function of its predecessor, Orson Spencer Hall, as the primary classroom resource to the undergraduate campus. It performs at PAC 12 norms, and is used by some 20,000 students each year, and by over 60 different departments that schedule classes here. The building incorporates 37 classrooms, collaborative space, research space, and 177 faculty offices.
As a central hub for daily undergraduate life, Gardner Commons is the new home for College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, 15 departments and Institutes, including the Hinckley Institute of Politics, as well as a consolidated center for Advising, a prominently located University Welcome Center, and 150-seat Café/Study zone on the main level with 4 food venues, and integrated study lounge seating.
On upper levels, intentional placement of research programs, faculty departments, specialty labs, and social resources, sit directly across from classrooms where required classes are scheduled. Undergrads deciding on a major are able to see into programs and resources they may not otherwise consider during the first critical years at college.
With the repetitive rigor of lab procedure, three simple clerestory incisions inject light into the center spine of the building. The experience of each clerestory, more a nod to the behavioral sciences, becomes a sculptural point of confluence, encouraging social interaction on the top levels of the building. Play of sunlight and shadow naturally draws people to places to sit, study, or meet others between class, programs, and workspace destinations.
Gardner Commons is the first building at the University of Utah to use Ground Source Wells as its heating and cooling energy source. They provide 96% of the heating loads (or 100% heating hours), 60% of the cooling load (or 90% cooling hours). The System savings over typical campus systems is $70,000 annual energy savings. This approach is removes 378 metric tons of CO2 Eq from campus, and makes the building carbon-neutral-ready.
MHTN’s design of this building is innovative and influential in assisting the University to rewrite campus standards, spending less dollars per square foot than its predecessors, while bringing long term value.
Learn more on YouTube watch Gardner Commons at the University of Utah
Gaudi Goddess – Every two years, local designers and architects along the Wasatch Front roll up their sleeves and pull out their glue guns to compete in Fashion Remix, IIDA Intermountain Chapter’s unconventional material’s challenge. Each team is paired with a vendor to create wearable fashion made from interior materials. Vendors range from flooring to furniture, with prizes given in a variety of categories including most innovative use of materials and best in show. This year, teams were given an added challenge with the addition of a theme to this year’s event – Haute Couture inspired by Iconic Designers & Architects.
Each year amazing fashions are created from carpet tile menswear to ball gowns made from wallcovering. We are excited to be partnered with Daltile this year, the industry leader in natural stone, porcelain and ceramic tile.
MHTN’s team of architects and interior designers is drawing inspiration Antoni Gaudi’s naturalist period, looking to his organic patterns and colors, curves and arcs, crushed tile, and use of light for design ideas. MHTN’s dress will combine a visible structure and framework reminiscent of Gaudi’s Casa Batlló made from metal tiles and crack isolation membrane. Additional embellishments of hand cut Byzantine tiles in organic patterns will adorn the skirt, belt and cuffs. MHTN’s own Tammy Munson will be rocking the runway as the Gaudi Goddess this October.
Proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and IIDA Intermountain Advocacy.
MHTN’s past Fashion Remix Awards:
“Mother of Pearl” – Best Runway Presence 2016
“Aerie” – Judge’s Choice 2014
MHTNBrighton High School has a rich tradition of excelling in academics, athletics and the arts. The collegiate aesthetic of the new Brighton High School creates an atmosphere to elevate those traditions. Ideas of openness, visibility, flexibility, collaboration, adaptability and technology are carefully integrated to support the district’s high school curriculum.
Design Challenge:
Systematically replace the high school with the complex site constraints of a smaller high school site on a hillside without altering the location of the sports stadium.
Park City High School Inaugurates New Career and Technical Education Wing
We are excited to announce the opening of Park City High School’s new Career and Technical Education (CTE) wing, an innovative addition that aligns with the District’s vision of creating “A Place for All.” This state-of-the-art facility not only supports the PCCAPS (Park City Center for Advanced Professional Studies) program but also strengthens the connection between education and the evolving needs of the community. Designed with a focus on real-world learning, this addition provides specialized environments such as a construction lab, robotics and aviation studios, a commercial culinary kitchen, healthcare training spaces, and business labs—offering students a variety of pathways to explore careers in high-demand industries. The innovative design of the CTE wing prepares students to make meaningful contributions to the workforce while fulfilling the community’s need for skilled professionals.
The project is a successful design-build collaboration between Hogan Construction and MHTN Architects project and is a testament to Park City School District’s guiding principles of creating learning-centered spaces that are flexible, adaptable, and inclusive. The CTE wing was designed to foster strong relationships between students, educators, and industry partners, promoting a positive and healthy school environment where every student can thrive. With flexible spaces that can evolve as educational needs change, the wing supports collaboration, creativity, and hands-on learning while offering a welcoming environment for all students. We are proud to have been part of this project that not only enhances education but also nurtures a sense of belonging, preparing students for successful futures in both their personal and professional lives.