Plymouth State University

Built on a very challenging site encompassing a wetland, a gorge, and rock formations, Plymouth State University’s Langdon Woods Residence Hall is designed in organic relationship with its surroundings. To maximize the site, the design team proposed a tall, narrow, undulating building to follow the site’s contours, capitalize upon the flattest areas, and respectfully preserve the wetland and other water features. The building’s narrow footprint and orientation also maximize daylighting opportunities.

Sustainable design strategies include stormwater management, extensive daylighting, low-emissivity insulating glass, native plantings requiring no irrigation, and a complement of energy and water-conserving fixtures and systems. In addition, a water jacket heat recovery system harnesses excess heat from an adjacent cogeneration plant to supply the building with heat and hot water. The cogeneration plant also supplied heat for workers during construction, reducing the use of propane heating. The project has received LEED Gold certification.

• Campus is served by public transportation
• Bicycle storage and changing rooms encourage alternative transportation
• Building volumes conform to the slope of the site, minimizing site disturbance
• Energy Star compliant roofing reduces heat-island effect
• Exterior lighting does not contribute to nighttime light pollution
• Stormwater management system filters runoff from parking areas, removing oils and debris and improving predevelopment conditions by 25%
• Groundwater recharge system eliminates stormwater runoff

• University’s environmental science class analyzed material options, computing carbon footprint of wood, brick, and glass proposed for use in construction
• University’s environmental psychology class developed ethical manifesto delineating sustainable philosophy for campus and student body
• University has implemented a green cleaning products program for housekeeping
• Green building educational program including building signage, panels, and brochures highlighting sustainable principles and features was developed

• Building volumes are positioned to provide daylighting and views to 90% of living spaces
• Carbon dioxide monitoring, nonsmoking environment, and low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, composite wood, and carpet preserve indoor air quality
• Construction IAQ management plan was implemented during construction
• Operable windows and individual controls for airflow, temperature, and lighting promote occupant comfort

• Dedicated storage and collection area provided for recyclable materials
• 80% of construction waste was diverted from landfills
• Building materials incorporate 20% recycled content
• 40% of building materials are locally manufactured and harvested
• 70% of wood products are FSC-certified

• Water jacket heat recovery system harnesses excess heat from adjacent cogeneration plant to supply hot water and heat, resulting in an overall energy use 50% less than baseline
• Energy-efficient building envelope and systems make building 32% more efficient than baseline building
• Low-emissivity insulating glass reduces lighting energy expenditures while minimizing solar gain
• Refrigeration and fire-suppression equipment is free of HCFCs and halons

• Low-maintenance native plantings require no irrigation
• Low-flow fixtures reduce water use to 36% below baseline, saving 1.4 million gallons per year

347-bed, five-story residence hall incorporating:

• Sophomore Building: Hotel double/single configuration
• Junior/Senior Building: 4-bed suite singles and hotel singles
• Common spaces: Multipurpose, kitchen, lobby, lounge, fitness, laundry, residence life office, bicycle storage, coffee/food, computer cluster
• 350 parking spaces