Set within an existing neighborhood of low-rise residences, UC Irvine Verano 8 Graduate Student Housing presents a new paradigm for graduate housing with a series of five higher-density residential buildings surrounding a vibrant community center that welcomes all. Home to 1,055 graduate students, the vibrant, student-centered residential complex supports UCI students’ priorities including community-building, affordability and wellness, and provides expanded amenities for the existing Verano neighborhood. The LEED v4 NC Platinum certified project stands out in areas of energy, water and occupant health and wellbeing.
ENERGY: Verano 8 received all 18 possible LEED points for energy performance with a modeled 58% energy cost reduction. All-electric systems are used for space heating, cooling and hot water, including solar thermal hot water and a 134-kW roof-mounted, grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system for clean energy production. Site energy use is estimated to be 23 EUI, and 19 net EUI with PV.
WATER: The site design features water-efficient landscaping to reduce water for irrigation by 63%. Plumbing fixtures deliver a 44% domestic water savings reduction in the residential buildings.
HEALTH & WELLBEING: The project’s health-promoting design incorporates active stairs, biophilic design strategies, community gardens, and interspersed lounge spaces for planned and spontaneous gatherings in support of the physical, mental, and social health of all occupants.