The Stanford Green Dorm

Vestal Design collaborated with Stanford on early proposals for the Stanford Green Dorm, and continues to provide web-based tech services to the ecological dormitory effort.

Energy efficiency collides with ramen and all-nighters

Stretching three stories high, the building’s CORE contains the major vertical elements, including two evaporative cool towers, and a thermally massive, resource efficient masonry stove which provides heat to radiant floor system. The building also boasts passive solar design, natural stack ventilation, integrated photovoltaics, and solar hot water heating. Other green technologies include rooftop rainwater catchment, native vegetation and permeable outdoor surfaces, grey water systems, and the use of green materials such as locally sourced fly ash concrete and FSC certified/ salvaged lumber.

Design for Community

This 42 bed building features open floor plans built around room clusters and common spaces to promote circulation as well as facilitate interaction among residents. The building is also designed for maximum flexibility by routing data and utilities via the CORE and through overhead conduits which allows non-load bearing walls to be removed and reconstructed to accommodate future programming changes. The building’s ground floor classroom is host to courses on green design, energy efficient architecture, and sustainable development while basement laboratory space supports related student initiated research, integrating residential education and program goals.