NEW RESIDENCE BUILDING BREAKS GROUND

CAROLINE WORKMAN, CARELTON UNIVERSITY

On March 17th, 2022 Carleton University broke ground on the construction of a new, state-ofthe-art residence facility. Drawing on fundamentals of passive house design, the new residence will be home to 450 students and will include various amenities including study, social, fitness, entertainment, and cooking spaces.

“We’re seeing an increased demand for proximity and affordability from our students,” said Laura Storey, Director of Housing and Residence Life Services at Carleton University. “In 2018 and 2019, our residence students told us that proximity to academics and increased social spaces are important to them. This building will increase the number of single room offerings, and will offer a gallery of social spaces for all Carleton Residence students.”

Located to the north of the Stormont Dundas residence, the new building will face the main campus entrance on University Drive toward Bronson Avenue. The prominence of this location is utilized to showcase community and connection among the Carleton University campus.

“This building will be the first thing you see when you drive off Bronson and onto campus, it will be a beacon and signal of the strength of our residence community” explained

Laura

With a sleek and modern exterior design, the new residence is over 180,000 square feet and will provide 450+ beds across nine floors to firstyear students

The new residence building will consist of 168 single-rooms, 142 double-rooms, two, twobedroom apartments, and will be accessible by tunnel entrance The expansion of Carleton’s underground tunnel system will not only promote ease and proximity for residence students, but also for those who commute to campus and park in the north parking lots Tailoring location to promote design, the new student residence was designed to withstand and uphold enhanced student experience, community, and sustainability

“A concept that we considered for the new residence building was passive house design,” said Laura “In part with sustainability, we have included windows and structures that will support a reduction in heat and cooling loss For our residence community as a whole, the spaces in the galleria area will promote community gatherings and strengthen the student experience by offering more opportunities for connection and inclusivity ”

While the plans for a new residence building have been in place since 2019, construction was put on hold as an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic Today, construction remains ongoing and the university expects to welcome the building’s first residents in September 2025

When asked where she sees the Carleton University residence community in 7 years, Laura shared that she hopes the new building will, “foster learning, leadership, and growth, for the next generation of humans coming to Carleton University.”

While there is no formal name decided for the new residence space, the Carleton University residence community is underscored with excitement and anticipation for the next generation of students who will enjoy, live, and find a sense of home, in the new student residence.