The North Campus Residence Hall and Dining Commons is a new 360,000 sq. ft. development designed to be a signature facility for The University of Chicago. Located on the northern part of the campus, the new residence hall includes eight “Houses” of approximately 100 first- through fourth-year students each. Each college “House” is structured around a three-story lounge that includes common space for students, as well as a community dining commons with tables organized by each “House”. The residence hall also offers a more independent living option with private rooms and kitchen facilities for third- and fourth-year students. Additionally, the development includes small retail spaces, offices, multi-use rooms, and classrooms.

The façade is designed to optimize energy performance through maximizing daylight and natural ventilation while maintaining comfort through shading and insulation. Radiant slab heating and cooling with dedicated outside air units serve the dormitory rooms. Waste-drain heat recovery is also provided to reduce domestic hot water consumption. dbHMS will monitor the building energy consumption after the building opens to verify the energy performance. The project is targeted to achieve LEED NCv2009 Gold Certification.