Barto Hall
Barto Hall
Central Washington University Ellensburg, Washington Project Area: 116,459 SF Recognizing the need for new student housing on campus, Central Washington University was faced with the task of removing and replacing an outdated freshman-only residence hall built it 1962. The replacement of Barto Hall was among the first steps of a 30-year master housing inventory to renovate or replace most student living facilities on campus. The University was challenged to design a state-of-the-art residence hall, catering to student demand for environmentally responsible features, while supporting the school’s “First Year Experience Initiative,” which aims to provide incoming students with an atmosphere that fosters positive academic and social experiences. The newly erected building boasts an aesthetically pleasing exterior -- consistent with existing buildings on campus – and
was designed to compliment “Barto Beach,” an open, grassy gathering area in the heart of campus. Standing four-stories tall and 116,459 SF -- roughly double the squarefootage of the original building – Barto houses more than 350 freshmen. Designed to inspire a balance between social interaction and academic success, the space includes community kitchens, study nooks on every floor and common areas with beautiful views of the surrounding Cascade mountain range. An outdoor plaza was designed adjacent to Barto Beach where concerts and events can be held. From the ground up, Barto’s design includes a wealth of sustainable features that truly sets it apart from other residence halls. With a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and mitigating energy consumption, the building is lit entirely with LED and fluorescent lamps, water is heated by roof-mounted solar collectors, windows are fitted with solar shades to regulate seasonal changes in heat and light, the plumbing conserves a 21 percent reduction in water usage, and rain gardens with native
drought-tolerant plants reduce the need for irrigation during dry months. Even the construction process was sustainably executed with at least 75 percent of construction waste diverted by recycling and reusing concrete, wood, metal, gypsum board and other materials. The facility’s exceptional caliber of sustainability and energy efficiency are measured by an interactive “green dashboard,” which tracks energy consumption. The dashboard was designed to educate students on sustainability, as well as to inspire collaboration and competition between residents living on separate floors to reduce energy use. The building is currently pursuing LEED Platinum for Homes. Barto Hall opened in September of 2012 with a long waiting list for occupancy. The facility is building the University’s reputation and attracting new students.
CONNECTIVITY: an ADA accessible bridge connects Barto Hall to the heart of the campus, encouraging campus involvement and social interaction - supporting the University’s “First Year Experience Initiative”.
PRESERVING A BELOVED SPACE: the facility was designed to fit around “Barto Beach” (a large, grassy area), an existing popular campus gathering place.
LEED PLATINUM FOR HOMES: expected to achieve LEED Platinum for Homes Certification. Sustainable features include operable windows, window shades and storm water drainage utilizing rain gardens.
LEED PLATINUM FOR HOMES: photovoltaic panels provide 56,206 KW of electric power and refillable water fountains conserve water. The high performance building envelope and mechanical systems combine to save a projected 31% in electric and gas costs.
FLEXIBILITY: operable wall panels can transform common areas into informal classrooms or study groups.
VISIBILITY: large windows provide access to natural light and views of the cascade mountains and surrounding campus.
INFORMAL SPACES: a variety of spaces throughout the building provide options for individual and group gatherings.
PERSONAL CONNECTIONS: student residences include spacious floor plans and movable furniture, allowing students to personalize their rooms, providing a sense of “home”.
TOWER: the central “tower” houses two-story commons at each floor to promote social interaction and a sense of community.
LIGHT HOUSE: colorful LED lighting conserves energy and transforms the tower into a “light house” at the center of campus.
PATHWAYS: pathways and connections to common areas help provide a smaller scale, and more intimate feel for this large facility.
THE WELLINGTON CENTER: a large multi-purpose suite is accessible to all campus residents.
MATERIALS AND AESTHETICS: the exterior of the wood framed building was built with pre-fabricated wood wall assemblies, shipped to the site. The wood, brick and metal design of the exterior complements additional buildings on campus, and deemphasizes the mass of the building.
SITE: situated in the “heart of the campus”, the building preserves green spaces, while easily maintaining accessibility to the rest of the campus.
SUCCESSFUL DESIGN: Barto Hall opened in September of 2012 with a long waiting list for occupancy. The facility is building the University’s reputation as a forward-thinking institution, and attracting new students.
Central Washington University Ellensburg, Washington Project Area: 116,459 SF Recognizing the need for new student housing on campus, Central Washington University was faced with the task of removing and replacing an outdated freshman-only residence hall built it 1962. The replacement of Barto Hall was among the first steps of a 30-year master housing inventory to renovate or replace most student living facilities on campus. The University was challenged to design a state-of-the-art residence hall, catering to student demand for environmentally responsible features, while supporting the school’s “First Year Experience Initiative,” which aims to provide incoming students with an atmosphere that fosters positive academic and social experiences. The newly erected building boasts an aesthetically pleasing exterior -- consistent with existing buildings on campus – and
was designed to compliment “Barto Beach,” an open, grassy gathering area in the heart of campus. Standing four-stories tall and 116,459 SF -- roughly double the squarefootage of the original building – Barto houses more than 350 freshmen. Designed to inspire a balance between social interaction and academic success, the space includes community kitchens, study nooks on every floor and common areas with beautiful views of the surrounding Cascade mountain range. An outdoor plaza was designed adjacent to Barto Beach where concerts and events can be held. From the ground up, Barto’s design includes a wealth of sustainable features that truly sets it apart from other residence halls. With a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and mitigating energy consumption, the building is lit entirely with LED and fluorescent lamps, water is heated by roof-mounted solar collectors, windows are fitted with solar shades to regulate seasonal changes in heat and light, the plumbing conserves a 21 percent reduction in water usage, and rain gardens with native
drought-tolerant plants reduce the need for irrigation during dry months. Even the construction process was sustainably executed with at least 75 percent of construction waste diverted by recycling and reusing concrete, wood, metal, gypsum board and other materials. The facility’s exceptional caliber of sustainability and energy efficiency are measured by an interactive “green dashboard,” which tracks energy consumption. The dashboard was designed to educate students on sustainability, as well as to inspire collaboration and competition between residents living on separate floors to reduce energy use. The building is currently pursuing LEED Platinum for Homes. Barto Hall opened in September of 2012 with a long waiting list for occupancy. The facility is building the University’s reputation and attracting new students.
CONNECTIVITY: an ADA accessible bridge connects Barto Hall to the heart of the campus, encouraging campus involvement and social interaction - supporting the University’s “First Year Experience Initiative”.
PRESERVING A BELOVED SPACE: the facility was designed to fit around “Barto Beach” (a large, grassy area), an existing popular campus gathering place.
LEED PLATINUM FOR HOMES: expected to achieve LEED Platinum for Homes Certification. Sustainable features include operable windows, window shades and storm water drainage utilizing rain gardens.
LEED PLATINUM FOR HOMES: photovoltaic panels provide 56,206 KW of electric power and refillable water fountains conserve water. The high performance building envelope and mechanical systems combine to save a projected 31% in electric and gas costs.
FLEXIBILITY: operable wall panels can transform common areas into informal classrooms or study groups.
VISIBILITY: large windows provide access to natural light and views of the cascade mountains and surrounding campus.
INFORMAL SPACES: a variety of spaces throughout the building provide options for individual and group gatherings.
PERSONAL CONNECTIONS: student residences include spacious floor plans and movable furniture, allowing students to personalize their rooms, providing a sense of “home”.
TOWER: the central “tower” houses two-story commons at each floor to promote social interaction and a sense of community.
LIGHT HOUSE: colorful LED lighting conserves energy and transforms the tower into a “light house” at the center of campus.
PATHWAYS: pathways and connections to common areas help provide a smaller scale, and more intimate feel for this large facility.
THE WELLINGTON CENTER: a large multi-purpose suite is accessible to all campus residents.
MATERIALS AND AESTHETICS: the exterior of the wood framed building was built with pre-fabricated wood wall assemblies, shipped to the site. The wood, brick and metal design of the exterior complements additional buildings on campus, and deemphasizes the mass of the building.
SITE: situated in the “heart of the campus”, the building preserves green spaces, while easily maintaining accessibility to the rest of the campus.
SUCCESSFUL DESIGN: Barto Hall opened in September of 2012 with a long waiting list for occupancy. The facility is building the University’s reputation as a forward-thinking institution, and attracting new students.
