University of Virginia, Brandon Avenue Student Housing

Overview

Brandon Hall is part of the University of Virginia’s master plan development in the Brandon / Monroe Corridor that utilizes green infrastructure and storm water treatment while creating a walkable, mixed-use area on campus.

We provided structural design, passive house and LEED consulting and energy modeling services to Goody Clancy for the 313-bed, six-story residence. 

Highlights

• The primary structural challenge was to develop a system appropriate for a university residential facility that could be constructed according to a schedule tied to the academic year. Our engineers selected a girder-slab system, which allowed for low floor-to-floor height, that reduced construction time and façade costs.
• The structural system employs precast concrete planks with composite steel T-sections built into their joints, thereby maximizing the amount of structural clear space. 
• A unique exterior shading system is fine-tuned to the sun’s orientation and informed by a series of parametric energy modeling studies performed by our in-house modelers.
• Utilizing efficient plumbing fixtures, the anticipated reduction in water use is anticipated to be more than 40 percent.
• Occupants are provided with high levels of control, including operable windows and dimmable LED lighting fixtures.
• The building achieves a high level of energy-performance by utilizing the principles of passive house design, including increased insulation, energy recovery and efficient systems. The energy use of the residential portion of the building is 36 kbtu/sf/year. The overall building, including the parking garage, uses 42 kbtu/sf/year, which is a 37 percent energy savings over ASHREA 90.1.