Dumbarton Oaks Farrand House

In establishing a new academic precinct at Dumbarton Oaks, our work at Farrand House brings an overlooked corner of the site into the fold of the campus. Neighboring one of the most intact and significant works of Beatrix Farrand, honoring and extending the legacy of her work became especially important.

Harvard University selected Selldorf Architects with Reed Hilderbrand in 2019 to study the renovation of the Gardener’s Lodge and Court for renovations at the western edge of the property. Originally the project would produce a modernized center for grounds operations. Through pre-design we developed the childhood teaching and education programs conceived of as Farrand House and worked with leadership to reframe the Gardener’s Court as a landscape of welcome and engagement, revealing to the public operations as well as research and scholarship that allow the institution to meet its mission. The project also includes a significant modernization of the historic greenhouse, which will continue to serve as the center of operations.