Neon brights enliven Acton Ostry's freshly completed Hillel House Student Centre
Hillel is a worldwide Jewish campus organisation committed to excellence, innovation, accountability and results. Completed in 2011, the $6m, 13,500 sq ft, masonry-clad Hillel House, replaces a post-war, wood building on a constrained site located between Brock Hall and the North Parkade at the University of British Columbia.
The main level includes administration offices, student support space, a student lounge and an outdoor terrace. Gathering and dining activities take place on the second level and a roof terrace, library and meeting room is located on the third level.
Masonry materials incorporate a white concrete-brick rainscreen, concrete pavers at the roof terrace, Jerusalem stone puzzle-pavers at the memorial garden and a Jerusalem stone-clad fireplace with a relief inscription at the student lounge.
Sustainability plays a central role in the facility design. A narrow floor plate allows natural light to penetrate deep into the building, enhanced natural ventilation is afforded and an energy efficient building envelope sports solar and glare control systems. Energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems and management of stormwater run-off are also in play.
Jerusalem stone conveys an expression of solidity, permanence and a symbolic connection to Israel. White concrete brick - carefully detailed to ensure consistency and regularity of the masonry module - recalls the tradition of white masonry cladding historically used on campus.
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