Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Expected Completion Date: 2023

Project Size: 93,000 sf

Bed Count: 320 Beds

Project Description

Phase II of a larger MasterPlanning effort, the twin student residences at Belmont Abbey are emblematic of the campus’s ‘Campus Gothic’ architecture.

Some of the core concepts of the buildings are to integrate with both the ethos and the architectural context of the campus. After a detailed analysis of the college’s existing housing inventory, MKC optimized an assortment of units that both complimented and enhanced the diversity required. Furthermore, the buildings create a new node of campus, complete with quad and student activity spaces. The project features unique common areas, balconies, and views to and from campus.

Project Location

Each building flanks either side of a new formal quad, adjacent to the Athletic Center on campus. Forming part of a larger quad that connects numerous student-centered building around campus, the new residence halls open up a new part of campus to create a housing node. Moreover, the arrangement also connects the center and eastern parts of campus, creating a link that was previously unpassable.

CONCEPT Organization

Featuring 320 total student beds between the 2 identical buildings. The buildings utilize two unit configurations, dorm style and hybrid style. The building is mirrored to itself to locate the support spaces in the center and the resident specific areas along the exterior. This allows the all plumbing and HVAC to be located within a controlled area of the building rather than running the entire way for a cost reduction. The pods of four dorms uses the same layout to create repetitive units with one centralized unit. The design allows for break out spaces both interior and exterior for the students to meet, interact, and study. The campus has more students than housing available there buildings will allow all the students that want to live on campus have a bed within walking distances of their classes and athletics.