| The project is part of a new zero net energy student housing community and is more than just a great place to live. It introduces a new concept in university living, combining sophisticated comforts with environmentally thoughtful design, signifying nothing less than a paradigm shift in responsible and sustainable living. It is one of the most progressive communities in the nation in energy conservation and efficiency, using local, renewable and clean energy. The project is based on three core principles:
•Housing Affordability - provides new housing at below market prices and expand the choices for student rental apartments
•Environmental Responsiveness - integrates sustainable design into the site plan and building designs to enable those living in the community to reduce their reliance on the automobile, limit energy consumption, and enjoy the benefits of the local climate in a healthy environment
•Quality of Place- creates a network of open spaces, parks, gardens, pathways and courtyards that promote the attributes and character of traditional local neighborhoods
The project comprises of 372 units of three-story walk-up apartment and townhome style units for university students. Each unit has bedrooms and bathrooms adjoining a common area that runs the length of the apartment. There are two, three, and four bedroom units for the students to choose from. Each unit includes a washer and dryer and a full kitchen with dishwasher. Other featured amenities include a fitness center with yoga room, volleyball court, outdoor kitchen with barbecue grills, outdoor fireplace with seating areas, study lounges, conference rooms and recreation pools.
The buildings set a new benchmark for sustainability while elevating the standard for quality housing. Every detail, from the way the buildings are situated to optimize solar control and airflow, to the sustainable materials used, to the pedestrian and bike friendly site plan, was carefully designed and constructed to provide quality of place and meet the unique needs of the community. The project creates an atmosphere that encourages and strengthens the social connections that the University experience is all about. Patios interconnect with neighboring spaces, and common courtyards are linked by a meandering bike path, which leads directly to campus. The buildings cater to the student lifestyle and are thoughtfully designed and constructed to a new level in green building.
Innovative design elements have been incorporated throughout the project, such as integrated energy-saving sun shades for each solar orientation and open breezeway floor plans. It all adds up to less: Less energy consumption; Less waste; Less environmental impact. The entire community’s energy load is designed to be 50% less than its non-green counterparts.
The largest zero net energy development of its kind, the project works both sides of the energy equation by reducing energy demand while converting sun into energy to power the community, essentially eliminating its energy footprint for a zero net energy impact. The buildings generate as much energy as their current residents consume over the course of a year. The project also achieved a LEED Platinum certification.
|
