When an alumnus graciously donated $10 million to the Ho-Ho-Kus School District to fund a new addition to its sole K-8 school, the architects and engineers at LAN Associates realized they had a unique opportunity to create something truly special. Named Duffield Hall, the project was envisioned as a series of spaces that focus on promoting both physical and mental wellness, with design elements that celebrate the community. These attributes have earned the project national recognition, with American School & University honoring the project with its Outstanding Design Award.
As you enter Duffield Hall, the lobby and hallway set the tone for the new addition. Adorned with school colors, the walls have a series of digital and physical displays that highlight the school’s history and current events. This corridor boasts an energetic ambiance, often serving as a gathering place between events.
"Helping shape and realize the vision behind Duffield Hall was a great experience. Working alongside the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation and the Ho-Ho-Kus School District to create a space that honors a great family and a great community has been a career highlight,” said lead project architect Matthew Fink. “I am honored that the project has been recognized by a national publication, and I hope this unique environment instills pride in students and generates engagement for generations to come.”
On one side of the addition is the new Wellness Center. Flooded with natural light and connected to an outdoor classroom, biophilic principles help create a positive and rejuvenating environment. Natural wood tones and organic shapes found throughout the room create a relaxing setting, perfect for activities such as dance, yoga, and mindfulness lessons.
Opposite the Wellness Center is a new gymnasium. Highlighted with vibrant colors and school branding, the full-sized basketball court offers additional opportunities for recreational events. New climbing ropes, retractable equipment, and state-of-the-art gaming components transform the space into an extraordinary, interactive playscape. Holistically, Duffield Hall is the perfect place for student recreation and revitalization.
LAN Associates is celebrating its 60th year in business in 2025. While the full-service architecture and engineering firm operates across a wide variety of market sectors, educational facility design has always been a primary area of focus. Duffield Hall stands out as a unique project, even among LAN’s impressive portfolio of award-winning educational projects. It is representative of what is possible when architects and community leaders work collaboratively to achieve a singular purpose.
Duffield Hall appeared in the August issue of American School & University as part of the Educational Interiors Showcase. The publication is a premier showcase celebrating the best in education facility design.
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