2008 Woodie Awards
ECO-MIND
University Heights: A Greener Student Residential Learning Complex
Mariana Montoya
Issue date: 4/11/06 Section: Columns
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While you are walking near Harris & Millis, or the gym, have you ever noticed the awesome buildings being built all around you? What are those buildings going to be? Why do those buildings look special? Why do they look kind of different?
These buildings are the University Heights Student Residential Learning Complex, and they're special because they're one of the most integrated green designs of all buildings on campus. In fact, their construction included the deconstruction and recycling of the previously existing buildings on University Heights.
The University Heights dorms are composed of four buildings, separated into two complexes: the North and South Complex, which are going to be available for occupancy in 2006. They will provide a beds for around 800 students to live and learn in (including the Honors College and those students interested on environmental living), in a variety of room types which include singles and doubles.
The reason why these buildings are different is because they include several environmental features that existing buildings do not have. For example, the solar orientation of the buildings will allow for maximum day lighting, there are sun-shading devices on the south façade, a more efficient use of steam heating and cooling methods (including the use of a heat recovery wheel), a composting toilet and waterless urinal in the public restroom, internal bicycle storage, fresh air to rooms, high efficiency lighting throughout, and low maintenance landscaping.
In an Environmental Management Systems class we visited the completed half of University Heights to see what they look like, and we found that the internal design is very comfortable. There is a lot of public space, some classrooms, high ceiling, glass everywhere, wooden doors and a lot of natural sunlight. Also, the students have a lot of privacy.
I bet that while you are reading this description, you are thinking : "I should live in there!" To be honest, these builidings are the best ones on campus. Not because of all the fancy design or awesome lounges but because of how these buildings are being constructed.
These buildings are the University Heights Student Residential Learning Complex, and they're special because they're one of the most integrated green designs of all buildings on campus. In fact, their construction included the deconstruction and recycling of the previously existing buildings on University Heights.
The University Heights dorms are composed of four buildings, separated into two complexes: the North and South Complex, which are going to be available for occupancy in 2006. They will provide a beds for around 800 students to live and learn in (including the Honors College and those students interested on environmental living), in a variety of room types which include singles and doubles.
The reason why these buildings are different is because they include several environmental features that existing buildings do not have. For example, the solar orientation of the buildings will allow for maximum day lighting, there are sun-shading devices on the south façade, a more efficient use of steam heating and cooling methods (including the use of a heat recovery wheel), a composting toilet and waterless urinal in the public restroom, internal bicycle storage, fresh air to rooms, high efficiency lighting throughout, and low maintenance landscaping.
In an Environmental Management Systems class we visited the completed half of University Heights to see what they look like, and we found that the internal design is very comfortable. There is a lot of public space, some classrooms, high ceiling, glass everywhere, wooden doors and a lot of natural sunlight. Also, the students have a lot of privacy.
I bet that while you are reading this description, you are thinking : "I should live in there!" To be honest, these builidings are the best ones on campus. Not because of all the fancy design or awesome lounges but because of how these buildings are being constructed.