Kent/Dabney

Kent/Dabney is a four-story 60,000 square-foot residence hall that is part of comprehensive renovations to the 1950s McCormick Road Residence Housing complex at the University of Virginia.

 

UVA partnered with Clark Nexsen to deliver a reimagined housing complex with new energy efficient systems and replacement windows, a modern aesthetic, and more social spaces for students. Kent/Dabney opened in August 2018 and achieved LEED Gold certification from the USGBC. Retaining 97% of the existing structure and envelope lends credence to the saying that the most sustainable building is the one you don’t build.

 

A dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) with total energy recovery wheels was critical to the high performance of the HVAC system, but accommodating this large equipment in the existing shell wasn’t easy. The design team solved the problem by locating the DOAS unit in the attic, requiring extensive coordination between disciplines to work within the tight confines of the attic. In the renovated facility, nearly all occupied spaces now have exterior views and potable water use was reduced by 44%. The indoor air quality was improved with a dedicated outside air system that provides fresh filtered air to each room.

 

The actual building is performing better than the model with the 2019 actual energy consumption coming in at 58% savings compared to benchmark. Kent/Dabney residents won’t be able to brag they survived a hot August without air conditioning, but the project ensures the legacy of first year students living on McCormick Road for decades to come.