University of California, Irvine, Mesa Court Student Housing Expansion
Irvine, Calif.       
Award of Merit

Owner: University of California, Irvine
Lead Design Firm: Mithun Inc.
General Contractor: Hensel Phelps Construction Co.
Civil Engineer: KHR Associates
Structural Engineer: DCI Engineers
MEP Engineer: Hartford Engineering - Mechanical Plumbing Engineer

The Mesa Court project is not only sustainable, but also durable. Reported to be one of the country’s greenest student living environments, more than 75% of its program area is naturally ventilated. On track to achieve LEED Platinum, the $96.7-million project’s integrated design reduces energy demand and incorporates natural systems, such as daylighting, along with active renewable energy systems into the 250,000-sq-ft development.

The residential towers utilize a Type 1A concrete frame structural design that provides durability, thermal and acoustic mass as well as flexibility for program uses. This functional frame is expressed as a part of the building aesthetic, reducing the need for additional finish layers and mirroring the refined concrete look that is prevalent on the campus.

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