IRVINE, CALIF. — Construction is complete for Phase III of the East Campus Student Housing Project at the University of California at Irvine. The phase added a total of 1,762 beds of housing to the school's on-campus inventory — allowing it to now house 45 percent of the student population on campus.
Camino del Sol is a 1,198-bed residence hall that caters to undergraduate students. It consists of two- and three-story townhomes that can house up to four students each. The units have private bedrooms and the option of private bathrooms. Puerta del Sol contains 563 beds in a mix of studios and one- and two-bedrooms units that cater to graduate students. The units have upgraded finishes including carpet tile in bedrooms and hardwood-style flooring in living rooms and kitchens.
Both dorms share amenities, which include a large pool area with a hot tub, a cabana and an outdoor kitchen with televisions. Other amenities include a community center that has a game room, a fitness center, social and study lounges, and a computer room. The project also included the addition of 1,800 parking spaces.
The two communities were was also constructed with sustainability in mind. The construction process included the use of recycled materials and a waste diversion program. High-efficiency lighting, low-flow appliances and tankless water heaters help promote efficiency. The community's landscaping uses drought-tolerant plantings irrigated by reclaimed water. Finally, the roofs were constructed to allow for the future installation of solar panels. The project is LEED-Gold certified.
American Campus Communities developed Phase III in partnership with UC-Irvine. Benchmark Contractors, a subsidiary of Southern California-based Morley Builders, was the general contractor. The same project team also completed the other two phases of the East Campus Student Housing Project. Phase I, consisting of the 1,488-bed Vista del Campo community, was completed in 2004. Phase II, the 1,564-bed Vista del Campo Norte, opened in 2006.
— Coleman Wood