UCSD Rita Atkinson Student Housing
SAN DIEGO, CA
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LEED Gold
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The Rita Atkinson Residences is a design-build residential complex near the entrance of the UC San Diego campus. Designed as a graduate student apartment building, the project features 225 two-bedroom apartments, 1 three-bedroom apartment and associated support spaces including staff offices and laundry and fitness facilities. Serving as the anchor point of the campus’ future academic mall, the project called for a combination of innovative design and practical functionality. The architecturally-stunning and energy-efficient building is composed of two L-shaped wings nested together and connected by a single elevator tower. The building’s interiors feature a modern loft-like aesthetic with exposed concrete walls, ceilings and polished floors. As a design-build project, Webcor worked closely with the architect and the structural engineer to satisfy the University’s scope, schedule and budget. The team took the approach of splitting the project into a foundation package and a structural package which allowed Webcor to install the foundation prior to final design approval. This innovation shortened the overall schedule and helped the team finish an entire year earlier than planned by the University. Early completion allowed the University to reap a year of unanticipated rental revenue. Just eight months before completion of the project, the University asked the team to manage the design, purchasing and installation of the furniture and fixtures. With a very limited budget, the team completed this additional scope of work on schedule and under budget. Designed for maximum efficiency, the housing complex utilizes high-efficiency water fixtures and is landscaped with drought tolerant plantings and an efficient irrigation system. Due to Webcor’s expertise in sustainable building, the project received a LEED Gold certification—a level above the University’s requirement—at no additional cost. The Rita Atkinson Residences received a Merit Award for Excellence in Architecture for a New Building from SCUP/AIA-CAE (Society for College and University Planning). The project also received a Merit Award in the Education category from the 2011 Design/Build Awards Competition sponsored by the Design Build Institute of America, Western Pacific Region.
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