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Tulane University Recovery Community

Conversion of a Mid-Century Modern single-family home into a dormitory-style residential care facility, fostering a supportive environment for students in recovery.

Category Education
Living
Adaptive Reuse + Modernization
Interiors

Size 4,840 SF

Location New Orleans, LA

Year 2023

Opportunity

The Tulane Recovery Community’s mission is to support individualized recovery on campus by providing recovery-based programs that foster academic achievement, connection and engagement. While maintaining architect Paul Charbonnet’s Mid-Century Modern interior architectural elements, TPA designed the space to promote a healthy lifestyle, ensuring comfort and inclusivity through community based social support.

Strategy

Building performance improvements include new roof and wall insulation, LED lighting, and new electrical wiring and life safety/security systems. On the first floor, the kitchen now has a clean and warm Mid Century Modern aesthetic alongside new fixtures, appliances, and millwork with the original farmhouse sink.

Public spaces have ample natural light and flexible furniture arrangements for group meetings, studying, or events. The original wood screen wall remains at the entry. On the second floor, bedrooms are now dormitory style rooms with shared, updated restrooms. One former bedroom is now a flexible space for practicing yoga or meditation.

Outcome

This redesign transforms a single-family home into a functional, supportive residence that aligns with the Tulane Recovery Community’s mission. Retaining the building’s Mid-Century Modern elements honors its architectural heritage, fostering a calming, familiar atmosphere for students. Upgrades in building performance enhance energy efficiency and safety, contributing to a sustainable, long-lasting facility.

The design encourages both personal reflection and social connection, offering comfortable spaces for quiet study, community events, and wellness practices like yoga. By creating an inclusive, adaptable environment, the facility becomes a valued asset to the Tulane community, providing a supportive home that promotes recovery, connection, and academic growth.

The Team

Paula M. Peer

Gene Guidry

Alan Wold

Andrea Ford

Related Projects

Trinity Episcopal Church and School Master Plan and Administrative Core

Our Lady of Lourdes School & Convent Study

University of New Orleans Master Plan

Dillard University Residence Hall

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850 Tchoupitoulas Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
info@trapolinpeer.com
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