Design Assistance
Upper Quad North Residence Hall at Virginia Tech
Upper Quad North Residence Hall at Virginia Tech
The new Upper Quad North Residence Hall at Virginia Tech is a five-story residence dedicated to the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. The new facility utilized a total precast concrete solution, featuring architectural precast concrete panels, precast concrete floor slabs, shear and bearing walls, stairs, and various other elements. This state-of-the-art residence hall replaces Femoyer Hall, which had been in service since 1949.
Embracing the Collegiate Gothic style characteristic of Virginia Tech, the residence hall exemplifies the university's dedication to preserving its architectural heritage. By incorporating durable and sustainable architectural and structural precast concrete components, this building is designed for longevity, expected to endure for over a century. Furthermore, the project highlights sustainable features and has earned LEED Silver certification, reflecting its eco-friendly design.
Thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the campus's existing structures, the precast façade achieves the aesthetic vision set by the university while honoring the rich history of the campus through its Collegiate Gothic Revival architecture. With an emphasis on durability, the university selected precast as the optimal solution for the new construction. The façade showcases Hokie Stone, precast concrete, and punched windows, which offer numerous benefits including energy efficiency, sound insulation, and flexible design options.
Attention to detail is evident throughout the residence hall, from the concrete engraving and other elements on the precast concrete to the color palette that mirrors the cadets' uniforms.
Upper Quad North Residence Hall represents the second phase of enhancements in housing for the Corps of Cadets, succeeding Pearson Hall, which mirrors its design. The ornamental architectural precast elements for the building's exterior were fabricated by GATE, with completion achieved in 2015.
Pearson Hall, having attained LEED Silver certification, set a high standard for design and sustainability for subsequent housing initiatives on the Virginia Tech campus. The university is committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 80% from 1990 levels by the year 2050 and aims to attain at least a LEED Silver rating for all major renovations and new constructions moving forward.
AWARDS
- (2025) PCI Design Awards: Sustainable Design Award Honorable Mention
- (2024) PCI Design Awards: Higher Education/University Honorable Mention
LOCATION
Blacksburg, VA
ARCHITECT
Clark Nexsen