Oregon State University plans fast-track construction of an ecologically sustainable live-learn facility designed to attract more international students to its Corvallis campus. Construction is scheduled to begin in May with completion set prior to the fall of 2011.

Architect Designs Two College Facilities
Architect Designs Two College Facilities

 The project was designed by Mahlum’s Portland office as a six-story, post-tensioned concrete structure built to LEED gold equivalency, including solar-powered hot water, heat recovery ventilation systems, high-efficiency radiant heating and a thermally improved exterior wall system. Construction cost is an estimated $32 million with Fortis Construction as construction manager/general contractor.

The residence hall will add 350 beds to the south end of the campus, and also includes 5,000 sq ft of retail, 30,000 sq ft of classrooms and labs, a 150-seat auditorium, café and other multi-purpose areas.

Mahlum also designed Blue Mountain Community College’s new environmentally sensitive, 28,000-sq-ft general classroom building on a 6.7-acre site donated by the City of Hermiston. Construction cost is an estimated $6.6 million with a total project cost of $8.5 million. The project will go to bid in August, and completion is scheduled for the end of June 2011.

The building will meet LEED silver equivalency, incorporating storm water managed onsite using bioswales, low-flow plumbing fixtures and high-efficiency gas-fired mechanical systems.

The structure will have a slightly bent shape that responds to existing sloped topography. Building materials will include ground-face concrete block, fiber-cement panels, glu-lam beams and metal roofing.