Blue Ridge Community College, Houff Student Center

In a significant transformation of campus life, Blue Ridge Community College's expanded Houff Student Center has reshaped how students access academic resources and support services. The enhanced facility brings together essential services—from admissions and financial aid to counseling and career guidance—creating an integrated academic support environment where students handle multiple needs in one location.

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Learning Environments

The renovated center includes well-equipped classrooms, chemistry labs, and informal learning spaces that encourage collaborative education. Faculty offices and conference rooms provide dedicated spaces for academic support and administrative functions. The design aligns with the college's updated master plan, incorporating two distinct additions that enhance the building's functionality and presence on campus.

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Architectural Design

A two-story addition extends from the north side, while the southern expansion creates a three-story structure that serves as the facility's main entrance. This architectural approach not only increases the building's capacity but also improves campus circulation and accessibility. The existing facility received targeted improvements, including a new fire suppression system, updated ceiling and lighting installations, and structural reinforcements to accommodate solar PV panels.

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Advanced Engineering Systems

The center features high-performance mechanical systems, including an efficient four-pipe VAV HVAC system complemented by an air-cooled chiller and condensing boilers. Energy conservation drives the design, achieved through exhaust air energy recovery and variable primary chilled and hot water pumps. The chemistry labs incorporate a specialized hood exhaust system that reduces airflow by 40 percent compared to traditional designs, resulting in significant energy savings while maintaining superior air quality.

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Technical Achievement

The project demonstrates engineering excellence through high-level Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination using advanced software solutions. The electrical design incorporates effective energy management strategies, particularly in classroom spaces. The engineering team successfully addressed the challenge of routing services through the existing building to connect both additions while maintaining full building operations during construction.

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Safety and Compliance

Student safety remained essential during renovation, with particular attention paid to maintaining proper egress routes during construction. The design team collaborated with building officials to upgrade existing systems to current code requirements while minimizing disruption to the facility's operations. The fire alarm system demonstrates this approach, with a planned integration that maintains safety standards throughout the entire complex.