Terrace Apartments at Vassar College - Poughkeepsie, NY
Built as part of a major campus wide student housing plan, Vassar College utilizes these new dormitories in order to undertake the renovation of all the older dormitories, without having to displace students off campus. Two new sets of dormitories were created in separate phases to house 70 students in a townhouse fashion, encouraging independent living among the senior class. Each two level unit emphasizes its connection to the exterior with the use of butt glazed corner windows in the main living space. The open feel of the interior gives way to a full length pergola visually connecting the units and creating a pleasant gathering space for the students. To promote “green” environmentally friendly building and energy conservation, a geothermal heating and cooling system, energy efficient lighting and windows were incorporated into the building design.