UC Davis Segundo Student Housing
Throughout the development of the program, MNA worked closely with a 10-person University Design Committee, including student housing staff to ensure that this project responded to the ever-evolving culture of University level student housing and met University goals for ecological approaches.
In our practice the first principle of sustainable development is to fill in the existing holes, increasing the density of existing communities. This student housing project represented an opportunity for the campus to turn a run down empty corner into a strong vibrant feature, welcoming visitors and city residents alike to the UC Davis campus.
The project maximizes productivity of the occupants and provides them a lifeful refreshing environment. This means using natural light and air where possible, and as much individual control over the building environment as possible. In the Segundo Student Housing project, this also took on the social context of the space, maximizing the possibility for the students to have choices about social connections or privacy. The use of operable windows and shades for the student residents in their rooms and general meeting spaces provides an important level of personalized comfort for the students.
Energy Efficiency exceeds Title 24 requirements by 35 to 42 percent. Use of window shading, daylighting and products such as low-e dual pane glazed windows, variable speed HVAC fans, and individual heating and air controls in each room, added to the energy efficiency of the project.
During construction, a brief overview analysis showed that, with minimal effort, the UC Davis Segundo project could have been LEED certified.
In the Segundo Student Housing project, ecologically sensitive techniques were combined with use of products that also kept green principles in mind.
- Insulation: recycled content and formaldehyde free;
- Flooring: all low V.O.C., no formaldehyde adhesives;
- Linoleum flooring was specified;
- Carpet: recycled content; CRI green labeled;
- Paint: low to no V.O.C.;
- Restroom partitions: recycled plastic;
- Adhesives: low V.O.C and no formaldehyde;
- Acoustical ceiling panels: 40 percent recycled content, low V.O.C, no formaldehyde;
- Fly ash in 18 percent of concrete material;
- Recycled steel; and
- Construction / demolition waste programs.