Scott Henson

The Knickerbocker Telephone Company Building, 1893, included the meticulous restoration of nearly all the building’s original historic features, including the brickwork, brownstone, cast iron storefronts, and pressed tin cornice. Original brick arches and timber details on the interior were revealed and incorporated into the new modern fit-out.

The Robbins House for Management and Technology, 1892, is located on UPenn’s historic Locust Walk. This renovation and addition to the building is the result of working with Studio Joseph. The team was challenged with balancing the dichotomy of new versus old to create a contemporary addition that would be distinguished from, but sympathetic to the existing historic fabric. The project received LEED Gold Certification for the sustainability standards that were built into the restoration.

The Hunter’s Point Passive Townhouse, 1885, is renovated to the Certified Passive House standard known as EnerPHit – Quality Approved Energy Retrofit with Passive House Components. Henson developed a contemporary addition that references historic details found in the district including clapboard siding and the rhythm of punched openings. Under Henson’s direction, the historic character of the house is seamlessly combined with modern systems to achieve superior energy efficiency.

Henson’s on-going initiatives include presentations and training on preservation and sustainability. As an integral member of the Association for Preservation Technology International (APTI) Henson leads programs on the relationship between historic preservation and environmental sustainability. He is a leader in developing the Zero Net Carbon Collaboration (ZNCC), providing a critical resource to responsibly bring historic places to Zero Net Carbon (ZNC).