UT Austin
Almetris Duren Hall
Details
Almetris Duren Hall
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
175,400 sf
Description
Prominently located at the northwest corner of campus, Almetris Duren Residence Hall respects the rich, historic context of The University of Texas while offering modern amenities students and parents have come to expect. Designed in association with Centerbrook Architects and Planners, the hall defines a new gateway to the University, and the challenges inherent to the corner site require careful examination of the connection between the building, the campus, and the diverse neighborhood. Almetris Duren Hall serves as a model for living and learning environments with a focus on creating community through fostering interaction between students, faculty, and neighbors. The building combines a sense of the architectural history of the campus with the sensitivity toward the current local community and an understanding of the social dynamics of college life. Home to almost 600 students, it is one of the most requested housing options on campus and gives the University a competitive edge relative to the increasingly attractive off-campus alternatives.
Awards
Outstanding Construction Award, Associated General Contractors of America – Texas Building Branch
Outstanding Construction Award, Associated General Contractors of America – Austin Chapter
Golden Trowel Award, Texas Masonry Council
Sustainability
The sustainable design strategy places extra emphasis on indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency. The HVAC system was designed to monitor and manage carbon monoxide levels, optimize efficiency, and enhance thermal comfort, and low-emitting materials were specified throughout the project, all to ensure the health of residents. During construction, established trees were conserved, recycled and regional materials were used, and 100% of construction waste that could be recycled was diverted from the landfill.