Washington University in St. Louis
The Lofts
Project
The Lofts
Client
Washington University in St. Louis
Location
St. Louis, MO
Completion
2014
Size
280,000 GSF
Certification
LEED Platinum Certified
Category
Residence Halls
Partner Firm
Tao + Lee Associates
The Lofts is a 415-bed mixed-use development fronting on Delmar Boulevard - a vibrant urban corridor designated as one of the ‘10 Great Streets’ by the American Planning Association. A unique type of residence hall, the Lofts project is designed to immerse students in the urban streetscape with a series of new storefront shops, a second floor green roof terrace, and a south-facing glass façade with perforated aluminum sunshades. A pedestrian mews, activated by student residences with stoops, connects Delmar with a residential neighborhood to the north.
The Lofts helps to educate students and the greater public about sustainable practices, while furthering the goals of the university and providing an example of design excellence and sustainable leadership.
James Kolker, Associate Vice Chancellor & University Architect
Upper students have embraced this project because it combines both proximity to campus with a sense of in-dependence. Housing 430 students, a mix of apartment styles, including duplex apartments accessed directly off a pedestrian mews, give students desired choice. New ground floor retail, including a diner and grocery store, extend the commercial corridor.
The project visibly expresses its commitment to sustainable living and is LEED Platinum Certified. Key elements include bioswales, rain gardens, photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, sustainable building materials and high-efficiency glazing. A south-facing solar shading system is a key architectural focal point of the project.
PROCESS
Principal Doug Johnston speaks with WashU students about the proposed Lofts project
An exterior study model captures material and color options for the facade
A strategy is pursued that would increase the permeability of the Delmar Loop's main thoroughfare to the neighborhood beyond
WashU students discuss the opportunities that the new Lofts project could create along the Delmar Loop
A study model envisions how a second story courtyard could interface with the urban street below
Awards + Recognition
2017 National AIA Specialized Housing Award
2016 National AIA-CAE/SCUP Excellence in Architecture Awards Honorable Mention
2016 BSA Higher Education Education Facilities Design Citation
2016 Congress for New Urbanism Charter Award
2016 Urban Land Institute Global Award for Excellence Finalist
2015 AIA St. Louis Distinguished Architecture Award
2015 St. Louis At Home Magazine Architect & Designer 1st Place Award for New Construction
Project Consultants
Structural Engineer | LeMessurier Consultants, Inc. + KPFF Consulting Engineers
Mechanical / Electrical Engineer | Ross + Baruzzini
Civil Engineer | Cole
Landscape Architect | Stephen Stimson Associates + Arbolope Studio
Lighting Consultant | Horton Lees Brogden Design Group
Acoustical Engineer | Acentech
Interior Design | Lab [3.2] Architecture
Photographer | Sam Fentress + Tom Paule