Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, in association with Anderson Mason Dale, is working with the University of Colorado Boulder (CU) to design its newest residential building. Initially identified in CU’s North Boulder Creek (NBC) Campus Master Plan, Residence One will define the unique character of the district while relating to the main campus context. The facade’s variegated red brick palette will reflect existing campus buildings and complement Boulder’s iconic Flatirons––five towering sandstone peaks that serve as a natural backdrop to campus. The NBC district sits within a floodplain along Boulder Creek, which divides the area from Main Campus. The project team mitigated the impact of potential flooding with a comprehensive site strategy that raises the first floor of the building approximately eight feet above street level.

The highly adaptable building will advance the University’s goal of providing more diverse and accessible housing options to a wider spectrum of upper-division students. Floor plans include studios and two-, four-, and five-bedroom apartment units, providing 332 beds as well as ADA-accessible units and ground-floor units with individual patios, much like garden apartments. Social areas are located throughout the facility and include larger gathering spaces such as a roof deck with views of the Flatirons. A grab-n-go market and coffee shop, and a parcel service store on the first floor will be available to the NBC community. The site’s proximity to campus aims to increase opportunities for student engagement with academic and extracurricular activities, fostering a greater sense of community.

Residence One is targeting LEED Gold certification and seeks to set a standard for sustainability in the NBC district. As the first all-electric building on campus, the residence hall supports the University’s long-term carbon neutral sustainability goals and its ongoing commitment to addressing climate change and reducing environmental impact.