Oregon Institute of Technology to Construct $35M Mass Timber Residence Hall

Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, Ore., recently announced the construction of a new, $35-million mass timber residence hall, according to college news. The facility will stand four stories, have room for 517 students, and cover 86,710 square feet to address the college’s need for more on-campus housing. Construction has an estimated completion date of December 2025.

The facility was designed to showcase its mass timber construction, a deliberate move toward reducing the building’s carbon footprint. The goal is to create a warm, high-quality, long-lasting space for students to relax and collaborate. Students participated in the steering committee that guided the new space’s aesthetic.

“This new residence hall demonstrates how Oregon Tech continues to lead in sustainability and innovation while addressing the needs of our growing student community,” said Dr. Nagi Naganathan, Oregon Tech President. “With support from the Oregon Legislature and the Office of the Governor, Oregon Tech is constructing one of the first residence halls in Oregon to utilize mass timber floors and roofs with panelized wood frame walls, and it will serve as a landmark example of carbon-efficient construction in higher education.”

The college is partnering with Bogatay Construction, Inc., also based in Klamath Falls, for the project’s construction. The news release reports that 89% of the project’s work is coming from firms within a 100-mile radius of campus.

“Using prefabricated CLT panels reduces labor, material waste, and the building’s carbon footprint, all while creating a high-quality, safe living environment for students,” said Matt Bogatay, Bogatay Construction President.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Quattrocchi Kwok Architects Opens New Office in Denver

    Education planning and design firm Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) recently announced that it has opened a new office in Denver, Colo., the firm’s third overall. QKA is headquartered in Santa Rosa, Calif., and runs an East Bay Area office in Oakland.

  • Deferred Maintenance Issues Growing at Universities, Gordian Reports

    U.S. colleges and universities are falling increasingly behind on facilities maintenance and repair, according to Gordian’s 13th annual State of Facilities in Higher Education report. The deferred capital renewal burden has reached $156 per gross square foot, an 8% increase over the previous year.

  • Phoenix School District Breaks Ground on New Prep Academy

    The Creighton Elementary School District near Phoenix, Ariz., recently broke ground on a campus replacement for Biltmore Preparatory Academy, according to a news release. The new space will allow the school to expand its enrollment by 50 percent for K–8 students and accommodate modern, collaborative learning styles.

  • USC Launches Major AI Initiative After $200M Gift

    The University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Calif., recently announced that it has launched a “transformational” new AI initiative thanks to a $200M gift, according to a news release. The project will leverage AI toward breakthroughs and innovations in subjects like the health sciences, business, security, and the arts.