Seattle-based CollinsWoerman has designed structures for Bastyr’s Center for Natural Health (LEED certified) in the past, before undertaking the new student village project. With a unique layout and design, the eleven buildings are not a traditional student housing project, and the design gives the collective quarters a feel that’s more in tune with a co-op, rather than student dorms. Each cottage has 12 private rooms and bathrooms, along with large common areas including living, kitchen and dining spaces. A quiet study room, bike storage and laundry facilities provide even more amenities.

The cottages are arranged around a courtyard and are situated next to shared gardens that can be used to grow herbs (medicinal or for cooking). Bioswales skirt the project to help collect and process stormwater, and a conscious effort was made to maintain as many of the existing trees as possible. Disturbance of the surrounding area during construction was minimized in order to maintain the pristine campus in Kenmore, WA, just outside of Seattle.

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