MEP engineering for this residence hall supports student rooms, lounges, kitchens, offices, and support spaces, with planning for utility relocation and infrastructure upgrades. The design includes a hydronic HVAC system with fan coil units, a DOAS for ventilation, and a BAS with direct digital controls integrated with campus systems, along with exterior lighting for the building façade.
In addition to student housing, the facility includes a meeting room, a staff apartment, floor lounges, a group kitchen, regimental offices, company storage, and a mudroom.
Prior to construction, the project required a significant utility relocation effort involving steam, chilled water, domestic hot and cold water, electrical, and IT infrastructure. 2RW worked closely with Virginia Tech Utility Services, Student Affairs, and the construction manager to develop and implement utility modifications while maintaining uninterrupted service to adjacent campus facilities. This early planning effort was critical to supporting the new residence hall’s connection to campus systems and minimizing impacts to ongoing university operations.
2RW provided sustainable MEP design for the facility, including a high-efficiency hydronic HVAC system connected to campus utilities, independent fan coil units serving student rooms, and a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) with energy recovery to improve ventilation and energy performance. The building also features a Direct Digital Control (DDC) Building Automation System integrated with the university’s central building management system for monitoring and automated alerts. Exterior lighting was designed to highlight the Hokie stone façade and sally port archway while complementing the architectural character of the Upper Quad. The project is pursuing LEED Silver certification and is designed to reduce energy and water consumption while providing a comfortable and healthy living environment for students.
The DOAS system with energy recovery improves ventilation, making the dormitory more energy efficient, comfortable, and minimizing health impacts.
At the design phase, the building is targeting LEED Silver certification, with an estimated energy use intensity (EUI) of 74.5 kBTU/sf, representing a 17.3% improvement over the ASHRAE baseline. The MEP design is also projected to reduce water usage by approximately 30% compared to similar buildings. These projections reflect a coordinated, high-performance approach to system design focused on long-term efficiency and reduced operational demand.
Clark Nexsen
Hurt & Proffit
Clark Nexsen
Vannoy Construction
Shift Sustainability Consulting
