Nordheim Court, University of Washington
Seattle
Mithun

Green dorms save greenbacks with a touch of Scandinavian class

© Doug Scott

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Nordheim Court, a pedestrian-oriented student housing development at the University of Washington, challenges the conventions of typical dormitory design while proving that environmentally sustainable buildings can be constructed on a tight budget. Evoking the contemporary aesthetic of a Scandinavian city, the visual syncopation of Nordheim Court’s exterior massing includes widened staircases and entry sequences that encourage interaction. Clad in fiber cement and zinc metal panels, the dormitory exudes a modern aesthetic down to its contemporary color palette of ochre, slate, and lime.

Mithun grouped Nordheim Court’s urban walk-up townhomes within eight diverse buildings interspersed by a variety of courtyards, all arranged around a central plaza. Its three- and five-story buildings provide 460 beds in 146 suites on 2.8 acres. Rather than incorporating an isolating corridor configuration typical of most dorms, the architect designed residences that offer vibrancy and choice. Students can choose to live near courtyards that are social havens or spaces with more repose. All student living areas overlook active courtyards, while bedrooms and study areas face courtyards that are passive and tranquil.

Nordheim Court achieved LEED certification. The materials and techniques necessary to achieve this totaled just $44,000—less than 1 percent of the project’s $19.2 million construction cost. The architect believes that this demonstrates that sustainability can be affordable. Among the environmentally sound elements included at Nordheim Court are a concealed, 150-car garage with bicycle storage and electric-car fueling stations; low-flow plumbing fixtures; native plant restoration; and tighter insulation of the building envelope.

The site of Nordheim Court was once occupied by a private nursery. The new plan incorporates a man-made pond from the nursery as a focal point for the residences. In keeping with the project’s sustainability goals, the pond naturally filters and retains storm water runoff. The residences are within walking and bicycling distance of the main university campus and several public transportation routes.

Formal name of Project:
Nordheim Court, University of Washington

Location:
Seattle

Gross square footage:
227,000 sq. ft.

Total construction cost:
$19.2 Million

Owner:
Twenty-fifth Avenue Properties c/o Lorig Associates

Architect:
Mithun
Pier 56, 1201 Alaskan Way, Ste. 200
Seattle, WA 98101
206-623-3344 tel.
206-623-7005 fax
www.mithun.com