Bluebonnet Hill Athletic Dormitory
Austin, TX- Student Housing - Proposed
- 140,700 SF
Bluebonnet Hill is a 300-bed dormitory proposal intended for students enrolled in athletics programs. The design responds respectfully to the historic context of the campus with its clearly articulated base, middle and top and modular and aligned window openings. Light-colored brick and Texas limestone incorporated at the building facades and retaining walls continue to reference the historic campus. Structural timber columns, ceilings and soffits are visible from both the inside and outside, highlighting the use of timber as a sustainable structural element. Located at an important campus intersection, the building's mass consists of three interconnected blocks, splaying open to follow the street edge and creating a protected courtyard to the north. Upper floors extend outward at the two corners, creating shaded overhangs at the retail entries.
Staggered linear windowsills and brick details carry movement across the façade. Folded metal screens, inspired by Austin’s iconic local bat population, shield the southwest-facing windows from the sun and excess solar gain. Randomized sections of burnt orange metal complement the dynamic nature of the design, while incorporating athletic branding.
Inside the building’s courtyard is a dedicated outdoor amenity space for building residents. Trash removal and other services sharing the space are thoughtfully screened using landscape features and changes in grade.
