The Hub – University of Houston
The University of Houston’s The Hub provides students with a welcoming, modern campus destination for dining, studying, gathering, and connecting. The two-story facility replaces the former below-grade Student Center Satellite dining space and brings retail, auxiliary, and dining functions together in a highly visible location. Designed as a true third place beyond home and the classroom, The Hub supports daily student life with multiple food concepts, a café and market, auxiliary offices, commons areas, meeting spaces, and indoor and outdoor seating for approximately 400 guests.
Its mass timber structure, partial reuse of the existing foundation and structural elements, and LEED Silver certification reflect a thoughtful approach to sustainability and long-term campus value. Our team coordinated closely around the exposed mass timber elements, minimizing penetrations through the timber structure and allowing only fire protection piping to pass through the beams.
Dining and gathering spaces depend on strong air movement and thermal comfort. We addressed complex heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) pressurization requirements, including the use of the open second floor as part of the return air path. The project encountered late-stage HVAC testing and balancing challenges. We worked with the architect, contractor, and mechanical subcontractor to develop a cost-effective solution that kept the project on schedule and avoided delaying building turnover. The result is a vibrant, LEED-certified sustainable hub for student life, where the building systems support occupant comfort and energy efficiency.
Its mass timber structure, partial reuse of the existing foundation and structural elements, and LEED Silver certification reflect a thoughtful approach to sustainability and long-term campus value. Our team coordinated closely around the exposed mass timber elements, minimizing penetrations through the timber structure and allowing only fire protection piping to pass through the beams.
Dining and gathering spaces depend on strong air movement and thermal comfort. We addressed complex heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) pressurization requirements, including the use of the open second floor as part of the return air path. The project encountered late-stage HVAC testing and balancing challenges. We worked with the architect, contractor, and mechanical subcontractor to develop a cost-effective solution that kept the project on schedule and avoided delaying building turnover. The result is a vibrant, LEED-certified sustainable hub for student life, where the building systems support occupant comfort and energy efficiency.
Location
Houston, TexasProject Size
41,000 sq ftServices
