Rice University Residential Colleges

Situated adjacent to the live oak trees of the John and Anne Grove, the new south colleges are establishing a new residential village on the Rice University campus. Extending from the cover of the grove’s canopy, the new colleges represent the union of campus, nature, and city.

The new south colleges consist of two taller residential towers paired with lower sections that feature both residential units and communal spaces. These include 585 new student beds, a servery, kitchen, student commons, study rooms, student lounges, private dining, and a magister’s residence. Public spaces are positioned towards the campus, staging a vibrant social center with access to sunlight and nature through the use of skylights and a central courtyard. Both colleges feature their own commons, while the servery is shared between them.

The façade design references the intricate detail and texture of brick masonry, characteristic of Rice University’s rich architectural history. Reinterpreting the materiality and fabric of the existing campus, the façade expression of each college was designed to establish a unique identity. Warm masonry and punched windows convey a sense of weight and solidity, anchoring the new colleges within Rice’s existing identity, while distinctions in color, window shape, and brick patterning set them apart.

Material choices were made carefully to reduce the project’s carbon footprint where possible. A timber ceiling covers the commons – acting as a continuation of the live oaks from the adjacent grove. Recycled green marble from the school’s previous construction projects accent the interior walls of the server and complement the warm, natural material of the ceiling. Also salvaged from past construction, reclaimed brick is used as accent walls along the podium exterior.