Yale University, Residential Colleges

New Haven, CT, USA

Project details
Client

Yale University

Architect

Robert A.M. Stern Architects

Services provided by Buro Happold

Building Information Management (BIM), Building Services Engineering (MEP), Ground engineering, Lighting design, Security and Technology, Sustainability

This new 460,000ft² residential college is comprised of two buildings housing student residences, dining areas, and additional academic and administrative facilities.

Buro Happold provided MEP and sustainability consulting services throughout the project to minimize its carbon impact on the campus, and ensured it achieved a LEED-NC Gold rating.

Challenge

Key requirements for our team were to reduce the carbon emissions associated with the project and to deliver a resource efficient college capable of securing an ambitious LEED certification.

Interior view of common space, Yale University, Residential Colleges
The expansion project will allow Yale College to increase undergraduate enrollment by 15%. Image: Aaron OTTO for Robert AM Stern Architects

Solution

The MEP systems include geothermal energy generation options that will offset the buildings’ demands on Yale’s central plant infrastructure. Chilled beams have been used in the dormitory suites to provide energy efficient cooling, and we have also incorporated additional initiatives such as storm water reuse, solar domestic hot water production, occupancy control lighting and a displacement ventilation system to meet high sustainability targets.

Sunset over Yale University Residential Colleges
An important goal for our team is to ensure that the building achieves the desired LEED-NC Gold rating. Image: Aaron OTTO for Robert AM Stern Architects

Value

By incorporating BIM technology into our approach, our team was able to plan a streamlined, efficient building program that reduced the development’s impact on wider campus operations and kept the project on budget for our client.

We provided complete BIM (building information modeling) across both buildings to produce all the MEP, IT and security documentation required for the later construction phases of the project.

Denzil Gallagher, Partner  

Awards

2018

Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) Design Excellence Award

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