Intrigued by modern student living? Here we are at Skyline Residence Hall at Brandeis University. Skyline opened in August 2018. Its name comes from the views. You can see Boston and surrounding areas from its windows.
Skyline Residence Hall is state-of-the-art. It has many features to help students. These features support housing, academic work, and socializing. The building has four floors. All are fully accessible.
William Rawn Associates designed Skyline. They focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. The building uses 40 geothermal wells for heating and cooling. Solar panels on the roof also help. These panels reduce peak electricity demand.
Gaston Electrical handled the electrical work. This included primary and emergency power systems. They also installed a fire alarm system. A rooftop solar array was part of their work too.
Leggat McCall Properties managed the project. They helped Brandeis decide between renovating Usen Castle or building new. Usen Castle was historic. Renovation was impractical. So, they built Skyline. They retained part of Usen Castle, including Chums coffeehouse.
Building Skyline took only ten months. The project charter outlined goals for design, budget, and schedule. The team met these goals.
Skyline uses geothermal energy for HVAC and hot water. There is no backup system. This was a first for Brandeis and LMP. Sustainable features helped secure almost $400,000 in incentives and grants.
The four-story Skyline Residence Hall houses 164 students. Each floor has collaboration and study spaces. There is a 100-seat multipurpose room. A smaller 30-seat room is also available.
Skyline has Community Advisors. They create a safe and successful environment. They plan programs and address student concerns. An Area Coordinator and Assistant Area Coordinator supervise the CAs. They manage the residence hall.
Skyline Residence Hall offers both single and double rooms. All rooms are gender neutral. Single rooms range from 120 to 140 square feet. Double rooms are about 200 square feet.
There is a large common space. It fits 100 people. It includes a kitchen and A/V system. There are also study rooms for up to ten students. Individual reading nooks are available. Common area lounges are on each floor. An outdoor courtyard adds to the appeal.
Skyline was designed to be LEED Gold equivalent. It won an AIA National Housing Design Award. The Construction Management Association of America also recognized it.
Skyline Residence Hall stands as a testament to modern design. It combines sustainability with student comfort. It shows Brandeis University’s commitment to innovation.