Sustainable Design Consulting

Student Housing Buildings

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
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.
Christopher Newport University New Greek Village, Newport News, VA

Longwood University Moss Johns Halls Renovations, Farmville, VA: Curry and Frazer Residence Halls were originally developed in 1968 and cover a combined 213,900 sf. This project involved the renovation of both buildings, including the full replacement of mechanical systems. SDC provided Documentation Assistance to the contractor, English Construction, which helped the project achieve LEED-NC Silver-level certification for both buildings as a Group Project in March 2022.

Old Dominion University Owens House, Norfolk, VA
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.
James Madison University Paul Jennings Hall, Harrisonburg, VA

University of Mary Washington Willard Hall, Fredericksburg, VA: Designed by Train Architects, this 47,000 sf three-story residential building renovation includes 170 student beds, community and study spaces, seminar rooms, and a modern media room. The renovation provided improved efficiency while maintaining the building’s historic character. Renovated alongside neighboring Virginia Hall, this project attained LEED-NC Silver-level certification in October 2022.

Johns Hopkins University Charles Village, Baltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins University Charles Village, Baltimore, MD: This 326,150 sf 12-story student housing building designed by Design Collective, Inc. provides 257 residential units, a clubhouse, two levels of retail, and an above-grade parking garage. Located in the heart of Baltimore, it features easy access to public transport as well as an intensive vegetated roof on the fifth level. SDC provided Process Management services and the project achieved LEED-NC Silver-level certification in January 2017.
University of Richmond Jeter Hall Renovation, Richmond, VA
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 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.
Virginia Commonwealth University West Grace Student Housing South, Richmond, VA
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 created 16 new study lounges, enhanced communal spaces, and won an AIA COTE Top Ten Award in 2024.