UnCommon Receives LEED Gold for Student Housing Project in Oregon

by Scott Reid

Eugene, Ore. — UnCommon, a student housing complex in Eugene, developed by CA Student Living and designed by Shepley Bulfinch, has received LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council.

UnCommon is CA’s first LEED-certified project. Essex General Construction served as general contractor.

“We’re responding to changes in the urban housing market for college students and graduates,” said JJ Smith, COO of CA Student Living. “They’re looking for a smaller environmental footprint and well-designed spaces close to the life of the campus and the city.”  

UnCommon is an urban infill project and brownfield redevelopment. The site is on the edge of the University of Oregon campus, with a large canopy and seating for the adjacent public bus stop, with bike racks located throughout the site.

Locally harvested wood is featured prominently at the project, including cedar siding on the building façade, entry portals and lobby walls. Rain gardens collect storm water that falls on the roof and courtyard, while energy-efficient windows, solar shading, and a highly insulated roof and walls reduce heating demand and cost.

UnCommon’s Energy Recovery Ventilation system exchanges energy in already conditioned air to pre-treat incoming outdoor air. More than 70 percent of construction waste from the project was recycled, diverting it from landfills.

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