Nevertheless, the systems and materials are entirely modern: geothermal heating and cooling, a latent heat recovery system, and high-albedo roofing are just some of the building’s sustainable elements that also help minimize operating costs. The exterior, comprised mostly of brick but with buff stone accents, was carefully designed to reflect the scale, color tone, and fenestration patterns of the campus’s historic buildings.

At the same time, it was important that the new development feel as though it belonged within the existing campus context.ĭesigned by Voith & Mactavish Architects LLP, in association with WTW Architects, its aesthetic is a blend of Classical and Gothic Revival architecture at a scale that complements the existing historic campus buildings as well the adjacent residential neighborhood. West Chester sought to improve the quality of their student housing options while increasing the available beds to allow an increase in enrollment. PHOTOS © GREYSTREET PHOTOGRAPHY, SHELLIE FERGUSONĬommonwealth Hall at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) opened in 2015 as the second phase of the school’s Housing Replacement Initiative.

Dorm west chester university