Project Overview
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is addressing the housing challenges faced by its graduate student community by constructing the West Campus Graduate Residence, a state-of-the-art student housing complex. Located on Vassar Street in Cambridge, MA, this new residence will add 676 beds, offering convenient on-campus living for graduate students and their families. Designed to foster a vibrant sustainable community, the two-building development transforms the former parking lot into a central plaza and green space, complementing the adjacent historic Fort Washington District and nearby MIT landmarks.
The new graduate housing spans 327,000 square feet and includes two buildings that begin with five and six-story sections that gradually increase to 10 stories once outside the historic district boundary. Housing units range from studios to four-bedroom apartments, with modern amenities such as spacious lobbies, lounges, study spaces, a fitness center, and ample indoor bike storage.
Precast Solution
Precast concrete played a central role in delivering a durable, efficient, and aesthetically cohesive student residence for MIT. Strescon Limited manufactured 302,858 square feet of 8-inch hollowcore planks for the project, with their sister company Ocean Steel fabricating the structural steel. The hollowcore precast planks were used for the floor and roof systems, creating a strong, resilient structure.
The precast system allowed MIT and its designers to create large open spaces within the residence, accommodating various room layouts and communal areas. This flexibility made it possible to offer a range of housing options, meeting the diverse needs of students and families.
Precast concrete components were manufactured off-site, allowing for a quick and precise installation. The hollowcore planks were installed between August 2022 and June 2023, reducing on-site construction time, and minimizing disruption to the surrounding area.
Precast concrete provides long-term durability, ensuring the structure's resilience against wear and environmental factors. The use of precast also supports sustainability goals by utilizing high performance materials that reduce the need for future repairs and maintenance.
The patterned brick and metal facades, along with symmetrical windows, echo the architecture of MIT's iconic buildings such as Simmons Hall, Baker House, and the MIT Chapel. Precast concrete's versatility allowed for integration with these design elements while maintaining the structural and thermal performance requirements for a modern residential complex.
MIT's West Campus Graduate Residence exemplifies how precast concrete can be leveraged to address the critical housing needs of graduate students while delivering on architectural, structural, and sustainability goals. The use of precast hollowcore planks enabled a rapid construction schedule, superior durability, and flexible design. This development not only provides much-needed on-campus housing but also enhances the surrounding community with green space, a central plaza, and a gateway to historic landmarks. Through thoughtful design and the benefits of precast concrete, the West Campus Graduate Residence will serve as a key asset to MIT's campus for generations to come. |