Calhoun and Siddall Hall: A Student Live-Learn Community

Building Architecture- Large Scale (>10,000 sf)

Project Narrative

Situated on the southern edge of UC's bustling Uptown Campus, the Calhoun and Siddall Hall complex stands as a vital entry point for students and visitors. The renovation of the complex encompassed comprehensive upgrades, ranging from additional community space to room enhancements to public outdoor spaces to a complete transformation of the exterior building facades.

To connect the complex to the campus and surrounding community, a series of stairs, ramps, and elevators were strategically placed along the major connecting spine. New landscape terraces replaced large retaining walls, opening views into the campus and providing places for students to gather.

The hallmark of the renovations lies in the innovative approach to the façades — a premanufactured, custom mega panel assembly measuring one floor high by one structural bay wide (10’ x 24’). To meet the challenges of a confined site and an accelerated schedule, the facade was meticulously crafted off-site under controlled conditions. Panels were then transported and seamlessly integrated into the structure, eliminating the need for extensive on-site staging. Exterior work and fall protection measures became redundant resulting in a swiftly erected, weather-tight enclosure with minimal field joints, achieving an efficient, high performing building envelope.

Internally, a new 12,000-sf community commons addition and the reconfiguration of student living spaces optimized core functionalities while expanding lounge areas, community space, study nooks, and student amenities. The introduction of "The Slot" in the upper levels transformed the interior, bringing in natural light, connecting both sides of the building, and providing residents with areas to gather, study, or relax outside of their rooms. This adaptability in shared spaces acknowledges the ever-evolving dynamics of collegiate life.