The New College House (NCH) is a newly-constructed, 350-bed residential college for undergraduate students at the University of Pennsylvania. The main dormitory buildings are located on the perimeter of the site, creating an interior quadrangle with a private courtyard and an open, public lawn, allowing NCH to act as a gateway to campus without sacrificing security for residents. NCH is intended to be a global village, with programming focusing on building global citizens through dialogue and shared experiences.

A driver of those discussions is often the project’s commitment to energy responsibility. The building features a high performance envelope, state-of-the-art rainwater catchment system, heat recovery systems, energy-efficient mechanical equipment and light fixtures and a recycling center. The inclusion of these elements means that NCH receives half of its energy from sustainable sources, resulting in the building receiving a LEED Silver rating.

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Architect: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
Photography: Jeffrey Totaro