Brown University's Brook Street Residence Halls: Sustainable Hybrid Mass Timber Construction

Brown University's commitment to sustainable construction practices shines brightly in its latest architectural achievement - the Brook Street Residence Halls.

This project, nestled on the southeastern edge of the university's historic campus, showcases the potential of hybrid cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction in creating modern, eco-conscious living spaces for students. Completed in the summer of 2023, the project stands as a testament to the university's forward-thinking approach and dedication to environmental stewardship.

Meeting Student Needs and Community Integration

The two-building residence hall complex, known as Danoff Hall (259 Brook Street) and Chen Family Hall (250 Brook Street), arose from a need to expand on-campus housing options for Brown’s growing student population. The university sought to create a space that fostered community among upperclassmen, while seamlessly integrating into the surrounding Fox Point neighborhood. The project aimed to address a key challenge faced by many universities: accommodating a growing student body while minimizing the impact on the surrounding community.

Deborah Berke Partners, now known as TenBerke , embraced this challenge, designing a 125,000-square-foot complex with a capacity for 353 students. The design thoughtfully considered the existing architectural context, incorporating elements like pitched roofs commonly seen in Providence, Rhode Island. This careful approach ensured that the new structures harmonized with the historic character of both the campus and the neighborhood.

CLT and the Path to Net-Zero

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Brook Street Residence Halls project distinguishes itself through its innovative use of hybrid steel and CLT construction. This decision, made in collaboration with Dimeo Construction Company, reflects a growing trend in the construction industry toward sustainable building practices. CLT, a robust and versatile engineered wood product, offers numerous environmental benefits, including reduced embodied carbon and enhanced energy efficiency.

The project team strategically employed CLT, resulting in a more sustainable and efficient building process. The use of prefabricated CLT panels streamlined construction, minimizing waste and disruptions to the surrounding neighborhood. The project’s all-electric design, powered by renewable energy sources, further underscores Brown's commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

The commitment to sustainability extended beyond energy efficiency to encompass water management and site design. The project incorporated bioswales and biofiltration basins to manage stormwater runoff, promoting ecological resilience and minimizing environmental impact. These features exemplify a holistic approach to sustainability, addressing various aspects of the building’s life cycle.

A Model for Sustainable Construction

The Brook Street Residence Halls project garnered well-deserved recognition for its innovative design and commitment to sustainability. In 2024, Engineering News-Record (ENR) bestowed the project with the Excellence in Sustainability award as part of its New England Regional Best Projects competition. This accolade highlights the project's successful integration of sustainable design principles and construction practices.

Fostering Community and Shaping the Future

The Brook Street Residence Halls project stands as a model for sustainable construction in higher education. The project not only provides much-needed housing for students but also serves as a tangible manifestation of Brown University's commitment to environmental responsibility. The project’s success lies in its ability to blend seamlessly into the surrounding community while pushing the boundaries of sustainable design.

Noah Biklen, Senior Principal at TenBerke and project lead, encapsulates the essence of the project's impact: "We set out to create a project that truly feels accessible in terms of how the buildings meet the ground. That means entries that are visible, a relationship to the street, a layering of landscape and plantings adjacent to the sidewalk, a nice tree canopy — design aspects that create a sense of vitality and activity that are appropriate to the neighborhood and the University”. - ArchExplorer

This vision translates into a vibrant living environment for students, encouraging interaction and a sense of belonging. Open-ended interior spaces, flooded with natural light, invite students to make the residence halls their own, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the classroom.

The Brook Street Residence Halls project has left an enduring mark on the Brown University campus and the wider architectural landscape. This project serves as a compelling example of how sustainable design and innovative construction techniques can come together to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible.

Project Teams and Individuals:

• Owner: Brown University
• Architect: TenBerke (formerly Deborah Berke Partners)
• General Contractor: Dimeo Construction Company
• Structural Engineer: Odeh Engineers/WSP
• MEP Engineer: R.K. Baker
• Electrical Engineer: 奥雅纳
• Civil Engineer: Woodard & Curran
• Geotechnical Engineer: GZA
• Project Lead: Noah Biklen, Senior Principal at TenBerke

This is a partial list of all the individuals and organizations contributing to the Brown University Brook Street project. In the comments section, please let us know if you contributed in any way.

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FAQs:

1. What is unique about the construction of the Brook Street Residence Halls? The project features a hybrid construction method using both steel and cross-laminated timber (CLT). CLT is a sustainable and efficient building material that reduces the project’s carbon footprint.
2. How does the project contribute to Brown University’s sustainability goals? The all-electric building is powered by renewable energy sources, and the project incorporates sustainable features like bioswales and biofiltration basins for stormwater management. These features align with the university's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
3. How does the design of the residence halls integrate with the surrounding community? The architects carefully considered the existing architectural context, incorporating elements like pitched roofs and a brick and terracotta material palette to complement the historic character of both the campus and the Fox Point neighborhood.
4. What are some of the key design features that enhance student life in the residence halls? The buildings feature open-ended interior spaces with an abundance of natural light. Breakout spaces are strategically placed throughout the complex to provide areas for both socialization and quiet study.
5. What awards or recognition has the project received? The project was awarded Excellence in Sustainability by Engineering News-Record (ENR) as part of its 2024 New England Regional Best Projects competition.