Glover Residence Hall was a design-build project developed for a rapidly growing two-year college in West Texas. Completed within a limited budget and accelerated schedule, the project included three distinct facilities: a 150-bed, dual-occupancy residence hall, a shared Commons Building serving both the new and existing residence halls, and a Student Health Clinic. Together, these buildings form a cohesive residential village that enhances student life and fosters community.
RSA strategically positioned the new residence hall at a 30-degree angle to the existing building, creating a dynamic triangular courtyard. The Commons Building and Health Clinic anchor the courtyard, establishing a central gathering space for recreation, study, and social interaction. To meet the college’s budget requirements, the residence hall was constructed as a Type V wood-framed structure with selective brick accents. The building features dual-occupancy living units and a centralized laundry facility. Projecting and recessed unit bays create an undulating façade, while alternating brick and cementitious plank siding add visual interest and break down the building’s scale through a composition of positive and negative spaces. Signature “Rural Chimneys” serve as distinctive architectural elements, reflecting the project’s semi-rural West Texas setting.
The Commons Building was designed to meet FEMA 361 standards for tornado resistance, addressing the region’s severe weather conditions. Constructed with insulated concrete forms, a composite concrete roof deck, and impact-resistant glazing, the facility provides a safe refuge while serving as the social heart of the residential community. The building includes student recreation areas, lounge and study spaces, vending amenities, public restrooms, and the Residence Life Office.
Completing the residential village, the Student Health Clinic helps create a secure and welcoming campus environment. Together with the Commons Building, it frames a private courtyard filled with landscaped green space and picnic areas, offering students opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and outdoor study.
