Many higher educational institutions and some k-12 schools provide housing for their students. These buildings serve students populations’ critical needs for safe and healthy living environments, while offering enhanced on-site learning opportunities addressing sustainable building and living strategies. SDC has consulted on a wide range of on- and off-campus student housing types, from dormitory-style buildings to living-learning facilities and individual market-rate apartments. In addition to LEED, SDC has provided services for LBC Petal certification and the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) to student housing facilities.
The Fort at Williams College, Williamstown, MA: This renovation of an existing 12,875 sf building takes campus sustainability to new heights, achieving both LEED Gold-level certification in 2021 and Living Building Challenge Petal certification in 2022. Designed by MCWB Architects and built by A/Z Corporation, it houses graduate students in Fine Arts. This unique project champions both non-toxic materials and low energy use intensity, which also earned it the 2022 Built Environment Plus award for Carbon & Energy.
Norfolk State University New Residential Facility, Norfolk, VA: This 193,424 sf student residence designed by CPL Architecture has four-story North and South Halls with central amenity space, fitness and study areas, a theater, and a kitchen. The site encourages walking and transit use, and sustainable strategies include drought-tolerant landscaping, low-flow plumbing, energy-efficient envelope and systems, and low-emitting, regionally sourced materials. SDC provided Process Management, and the project achieved LEED-NC certification in 2023.
Old Dominion University Owens House, Norfolk, VA: This 165,000 sf, VMDO-designed new residence hall houses 500 students and includes staff apartments, as well as offices, classrooms, a convenience store, community kitchens, lounge, and study spaces throughout to support planned Learning Communities. Through careful site design, over 38% of the project's site area is comprised of open space to promote social and physical activity. Completed in February 2021, the building achieved LEED certification in November 2021.
University of Mary Washington Virginia Hall Renovation, Fredericksburg, VA: This 45,687 sf modernization of UMW’s second-oldest residence hall preserves its historic character while providing updated study and recreation spaces. Over 65% of the original structural and permanent interior elements were reused or salvaged. Designed by Train Architects, it also includes native landscaping, low-flow plumbing, and energy-efficient systems. SDC provided Process Management, and the project achieved LEED-NC Silver-level certification in 2024.
Episcopal High School New Dormitories, Alexandria, VA: These two dormitories designed by DLR Group preserve the campus’s Colonial style while incorporating low-emitting materials, life-cycle–verified products, and open balconies connecting occupants to the landscape. Energy-efficient systems achieved nearly 40% savings, and low-flow plumbing reduced water use. SDC provided Process Management, and the combined group project achieved LEED-NC Silver-level certification in February 2025.
VT Upper Quad Residence Hall, Blacksburg, VA: This 72,300 sf residence hall accommodates 300 beds as well as administrative offices for the growing Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. Designed by Clark Nexsen in the Collegiate Gothic style, it integrates modern accessibility features within a historic style. The project achieved 14% energy cost savings and earned LEED-NC Silver-level certification in July 2024. The Upper Quad Residence Hall is part of a master plan to expand the campus to maintain Virginia Tech’s ROTC program’s competitive edge.
GWU Thurston Hall Renovation, Washington, DC: Originally built in 1929, this historic Jazz Age building underwent a major renovation, transforming into a LEED-NC Platinum-level residence hall for 820 students. Sustainable features include a 39% reduction in Energy Use Intensity, a 4,260 sf green roof, a 3,000 sf rainwater cistern, and a 110 kW solar panel array. SDC provided Process Management services. The renovation, designed by VMDO, created 16 new study lounges, enhanced communal spaces, and won an AIA COTE Top Ten Award in 2024.