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Kaneohe Dorm
O’ahu, Hawaii
The design was inspired by the Islands history and lush surroundings, evoking the aesthetic of the nearby "International Style" dorms built in the 1940’s.
AWARDS
Kaneohe Dorm
O’ahu, Hawaii
Kaneohe Dorm
O’ahu, Hawaii
SIZE
58,739 SF
COMPLETION
2019
CONTRACTOR
Absher Construction
DELIVERY METHOD
Design-Build
CERTIFICATIONS
Designed to LEED Silver
SERVICES
The project site is a breathtaking setting, surrounded by views of the azure blue Pacific waters with a backdrop of volcanic peaks covered with lush emerald forest. WJA Design Collaborative was inspired by the history of the Island and surroundings when faced with the challenge of designing updated dormitories. This required a carefully considered design, evoking the aesthetic of the original, while modernizing the amenities to offer a private, restful escape from the daily stresses. This required a comprehensive decision process that painstakingly considered every material, color and texture in relation to the historic structures to be replaced. The design featured both indoor and outdoor gathering areas for shaping community among dormitory residents. Key among the gathering spaces were the picnic shelter, a multi-tiered courtyard, and a lounge that accommodated both large and small community groups.
The concrete and masonry structure is designed to last decades, built to withstand earthquakes and hurricanes. The design followed antiterrorism standards to further protect the residents. The dormitory is shelter, literally and figuratively, where residents can enjoy their free time relaxing with the trade winds circulating through the courtyard or enjoying private time in their cool rooms.
In pursuit of LEED Silver, the dormitory design engaged computer modeling to minimize energy use and maximize daylighting strategies. The initial energy modeling demonstrated 41% energy bill savings compared to average building performance, which was an estimated savings of $157,533 per year. This performance was a result of a stingy building envelope, energy-recovery HVAC strategies, power production through roof-top solar collectors, and energy-efficient lighting. The lighting strategies were further enhanced by daylighting, where 78% of the commonly used rooms received enough daylight to substitute for artificial lighting.
Cutting edge technology aside, the dormitory in its essence is a home, the place where we are likely to spend most of our time. It is the setting where our lives unfold, and where we define who we are and what we stand for. It is the setting for history yet to be made.
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