University of Houston Cougar Place Residences

OWNER

University of Houston

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Construction Cost
$40 million

Completion Date
May 2013

Project Size
320,000 SF

University of Houston Cougar Place Residences

Houston
Texas

Walter P Moore provided structural engineering services to replace the original Cougar Place Residence.

The main entry building includes a canopies on the north and east side that feature modern, architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS) members and connections. On the north side, the canopy is separated from the main structural frame and creates a large shed roof over the sidewalk leading to the main entry vestibule and a seating area.

The project is separated into four individual buildings that are situated in a modified figure-eight. The buildings are connected by four, multi-story pedestrian bridges. The bridges are enclosed, conditioned and wrapped in a sleek, transparent glass curtainwall façade. This project also features a two-story fitness center with exterior walls that are supported by exposed structural steel.

The structural foundation is a structured slab on grade supported by drilled and underreamed footings. Stairs and elevator cores consist of 10” think CMU walls. The dormitory areas are wood construction, while the main entry building, called the “Commons” building, along with four multi-level pedestrian bridges, the fitness center, laundry and lounge areas are all structural steel. The “Commons” building provides community living space and an impressive entry. The floors and roofs in the dormitory areas are supported by prefabricated wood trusses; the floors are supported by wood bearing walls. The lateral system used is wood shear walls.