Clark Finishes Sustainable UCSD Student Housing Community 11 Weeks Early

SAN DIEGO – Clark Design/Build of California completed construction of the University of California San Diego's (UCSD) Village II project nearly 11 weeks ahead of schedule. The $82 million residential community, soon to be the on-campus home of 807 transfer students, was designed and built to take advantage of the location and climate to maximize sustainability.

Clark led the design and construction of the 267,000 square-foot project which includes a 13-story concrete residential tower, four low-rise residential buildings called eco-flats, a dining facility called the Bistro, student market, and faculty office spaces. Village II can accommodate 807 students in 148 residential units. The eco-flats are woven together by a series of cantilevered walkways that connect via exterior stairs and elevators. All buildings are connected by a common pedestrian walkway called The Strand that cuts diagonally between the structures.

The community's layout and design honor and respect the environment. Strategically placed "wind scoops" pull Pacific Ocean breezes into residential units, cooling them without relying on a mechanical system. Each of the 148 units is equipped with occupancy sensors that will automatically shut off lights and appliances when rooms are unoccupied. A 300-kilowatt thermal solar system, one of the largest installations at a North American university, heats water for the residences' bathrooms and the dining facility. The Village II project anticipates earning LEED^® Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Carrier Johnson + CULTURE of San Diego is the project architect. Additional project partners include MA Engineers, San Diego, mechanical engineer; Michael Wall Engineering, Inc., San Diego, electrical engineer; Nabih Youssef Associates, Los Angeles, structural engineer; A.O. Reed & Co., San Diego, mechanical and plumbing contractor; and Dynalectric, San Diego, electrical contractor.