Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Miami University: Beechwoods, Stonebridge and Hillcrest Residential Halls

  • 02/01/15
Miami University

PHOTOS © SAM FENTRESS

Residential life has long been a major part of Miami University’s history, culture and educational mission. Beechwoods, Stonebridge and Hillcrest residence halls, approximately 74,000 square feet each, have recently debuted on the Western campus in Oxford, OH. These three high-profile buildings, each with its own identity and personality, provide the university with 720 new beds. As the result of a design-build competition, the team of Mackey Mitchell Architects — with Whiting-Turner contractors and local architect-of-record CR Architects — was chosen to create this residential community defined by simplicity and elegance. This was the first university project of its kind to be completed under a design-build delivery method.

A major design challenge was to respect the university’s traditional architecture yet create something new and timeless that would take the campus architecture to the next level. To meet a fast-track project schedule, an efficient decision-making process was required to meet the design competition’s demanding six-week time frame. To expedite the design process, the team facilitated “temperature taking” exercises which helped the client understand the visual development process and provide the design team with a vision for the residence hall’s new look.

While the main campus is formal, the Western campus is more pastoral and organic in its setting with bridges and walkways designed to improve pedestrian flow. The structures are sited to tie together all active community locations. Each building’s common areas feature large expanses of glass, bringing the indoor and outdoor environments together with light, views and activity. Because of the project’s success, the design team has been commissioned to work with the university on the renovation of four existing residence halls, the Martin Dining Facility within the North Quad, and a campus residential life plan.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • University of Pennsylvania Releases Design of Future Physical Sciences Building

    The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) in Philadelphia, Penn., recently released renderings of an upcoming 350,000-square-foot Physical Sciences Building, according to news release. The facility was designed by CO Architects and will unite the university’s departments of Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Science.

  • Cleveland High School Breaks Ground on Modernization

    Portland Public Schools in Portland, Ore., recently announced that construction has begun on a modernization project for Cleveland High School, according to a news release. The existing building will be replaced with a new, 300,000-square-foot facility at the same site.

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Announces Acquisition of JJCA

    Wold Architects & Engineers, based in Minneapolis, Minn., recently announced that it has acquired JJCA, an architecture firm based in Nashville, Tenn., according to a press release. JJCA specializes in healthcare and education design; the partnership allows both firms to expand their presence across the country while building on existing strengths.

  • Arizona District Breaks Ground on Community Training, Learning Center

    The Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD) in Tolleson, Ariz., recently broke ground on a new Training & Learning Center (TLC) for both district professionals and the community at large, according to a news release. The 90,000-square-foot facility has an estimated completion date of spring 2027.