Bastyr University has designed their new sustainable Student Village, the 11 three-storey free-standing cottages, in such a way as to reflect the university’s vision to transform the health and well-being of the human community. According to the USGBC, the project is exemplary not only for its integrated, community-enhancing design, but also for the strong attention to detail and the level of teamwork displayed by the project team. Seattle-based green architeture firm CollinsWoerman was the architect and designer of the project.
While initially slated for LEED-Gold, the project’s final certification exceeded expectations, notably under budget and slightly ahead of schedule. The finished product represents the first LEED-Platinum-certified student housing project on the West Coast and demonstrates Bastyr’s commitment to sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.
Some exemplary‘green’ features as noted by the award committee are: elimination of unnecessary space; radiant-floor heating made of finished concrete; high-efficiency gas boilers and water heaters; whole-house natural ventilation; locally sourced, FSC-certified lumber; low-VOC paints and urea-formaldehyde-free cabinets and doors; energy-star appliances and light fixtures; “Butterfly” roofs to capture rainwater, with some featuring green roofs; permaculture teaching garden with edible and medicinal plants; entry benches constructed from recycled ceiling beams; and a high-quality user education video for all new residents.
The feature that can be cited as one of the most distinctive of the new dorms is the V-shaped roofs. The residents on the top floors can enjoy views of the campus and surroundings.
