Coastal Carolina University (CCU) engaged Mackey Mitchell, in collaboration with Quackenbush Architects, to transform their 19-acre Elvington property into a 21st Century residential village that is now home to 1,272 freshmen. Built in two phases, the new neighborhood consists of four three-story residence halls (over 335,000 SF), each with lounges, studies, community kitchen, laundry, multi-purpose room, resident director office, and staff apartment. Amenities also include an honors college, housing department offices, a P.O.D. market, and a convention center for university and community programs. Buildings are thoughtfully situated around a generous village green that includes recreational fields, a community pavilion, protected bicycle parking, long winding walks, two ponds, and numerous landmark trees.
Shape
The design team engaged a comprehensive group of university stakeholders to make sure all voices were heard—from the President’s Office to the Sustainability Office. This unique and engaging process inspired a community suite design that is exclusive to CCU. The group also creatively solved the site challenges, including protecting a grove of landmark live oak trees in middle of the site. With guidance from a professional arborist, the team designed Chanticleer Hall to wrap around the trees, a choice that both protects the grove and creates a wonderful design feature.
Inspire
The Georgian style exteriors complement Coastal Carolina’s architectural heritage and forge a strong village identity. The interiors evoke the feeling of a “comfortable southern home” and promote Coastal Carolina’s “Feel the Teal” initiative. In addition, each building features unique details that further support the sense of community and identity. For example, CINO hall draws inspiration from the nearby coastline by using wavy thermoformed panels and custom light fixtures for a subtle beach theme while Teal Hall incorporates rustic shiplap siding for a traditional and relaxed feel.
[The new res halls] create a space for students to form community and get to know each other.
- Steve Harrison Senior University Housing Director
