This competitively awarded design-build, 197,000 SF, 810-bed dormitory is located on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus and includes two student lounges and features suite-style accommodations with a maximum of four students per suite in single and double rooms with shared compartmented baths. Functional spaces include a social lounge, fitness center, game room, vending areas, computer room, small group study rooms, a 75-person conference room, student laundry, storage areas, management offices, trash/recycling rooms and a separate moped storage building.
The structural design satisfied one of the core tenets of sustainable design: the efficient use and preservation of resources. The reduced material requirements also resulted in client savings, leaving funds available for other important architectural and sustainable design requirements. BASE achieved a 31% reduction in concrete material and 18% reduction in reinforced material by using a post-tensioned structural system instead of the conventionally reinforced system typically used on campus. The project received an Innovation in Design point toward LEED certification because of this significant reduction in use of materials and ultimately became the first LEED Silver-certified building on campus.
In addition to being structural engineer of record, BASE also performed special inspection and contractor support services including design of a tower crane foundation.