As the prominent building of an important quad, and backdrop to Radford University’s commencement ceremony, Moffett Hall plays a leading role in establishing the campus’s collegiate character. Though the exterior of 1960s-era residence hall has maintained its original charm, when VMDO Architects was hired in 2011, the building’s systems and finishes were tired and ready for an overhaul.
Though replacement of the building’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety systems was the main driver for the project, VMDO has capitalized on the opportunity to improve the building’s finishes and re-think several key spaces. Together, these improvements promise to create the quality of interior environment that 21st century students have come to expect while bringing the buildings to current code and ADA standards.
A new entry lounge connects the front door of the building with a warm, welcoming, and open set of spaces – including a new kitchen, recreation lounge, and game room. Together, these spaces create comfortable places for students to hang out for a variety of activities. By reclaiming office space adjacent to these new recreation spaces, the building now provides quiet places for students to study and collaborate while they are still connected to the heartbeat of the Moffett community.
Meanwhile, students will enjoy increased privacy and sense of security in their renovated bedrooms. Formerly arranged as two doubles sharing a bathroom, the building’s typical renovated rooms will each have their own private bath, complete with a shower, sink and toilet. Though most of Moffett Hall’s 353 beds are in this configuration, the renovation adds 8 new two bedroom apartments to the building. These new apartments add much-needed variety to a campus whose housing stock is dominated by two-bedroom suites and traditional doubles.
Moffett Hall has received LEED Gold certification and the distinction of being the third project (in a series of three VMDO projects, with Jefferson and Madison Halls) to receive LEED Gold status on Radford's campus.
Client: Radford University
Location: Radford, VA
Discipline: Residence Life
Completion: 2012
Performance: EUI 82 kBTU/sf/year (measured)
Size: 120,720 SF