The RAD Center represents a groundbreaking initiative at the University of Houston, serving as the first mass timber project on campus. Designed to be a 'third place' for students and faculty above traditional spaces, it replaced an underground dining facility damaged by Hurricane Harvey. The building, which spans 41,000 square feet and has a budget of $44 million, showcases six food concepts and ample outdoor seating. Its design emphasizes energy efficiency, achieving an 84% reduction in predicted energy use intensity, aligning with the AIA 2030 goal for carbon-neutral buildings by integration of high-performance strategies.
The RAD Center at the University of Houston serves as a sustainable gathering space, incorporating mass timber design that promotes environmental efficiency and student engagement.
Designed with abundant natural light and views, the RAD Center blurs indoor and outdoor spaces, reflecting its wooded surroundings while achieving significant energy and carbon reductions.
#sustainable-architecture #mass-timber #aia-2030-commitment #energy-efficiency #university-of-houston
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