Bastyr University Student Village, WA, USA

Located in Kenmore, Bastyr University is an international institution specialized in natural medicine. It prepares and educates students in spheres of Naturopathic and Oriental medicine. The University was built in 1978. The Student Village in Bastyr University is intended for 132 students. The architect is CollinsWoerman firm which was also the designer of the Bastyr’s Center for Natural Health.

Originally designed to achieve LEED Gold, the project comprises 11 buildings. Each of them occupies 427 square meters (or 4.600 sq feet). They are connected with each other by peculiar gardens and green spaces which increase the rating of an eco-friendly student center. The building which was also acknowledged as Outstanding Multifamily Project, was ready in summer 2010 and was created with cooperation of students and designers. Project manager was John Aldredge. During the evaluation process certain standards were taken into account, such as 34% energy savings, systems of radiant floor heating and natural ventilation, as well as a garden with medicinal plants and plants for cooking. There are also boilers and water heaters installed in the building. Storm water is constantly collected. During construction only low-VOC paints and building materials were used. The LEED Platinum-certified project cost $16.5 million. In April 2011 Student Village was honored with King County’s Green Globe Award (“Leader in Sustainable Design”).

By Astghik Atabekyan, www.building.am

Photos: www.archdaily.com