Image courtesy of Jason O'Rear
University of California Berkeley, Anchor House Student Housing
Berkeley, CA
Business Type
Student Housing
Size
360,000 square feet
Architect
BDE Architects
Owner
University of California Berkeley
Certifications
- Pursuing LEED Gold
High-performance student housing designed for equity, sustainability, and resilience.
Located directly across from UC Berkeley’s western campus edge, Anchor House provides purpose-built housing for transfer students, many of whom are first-generation and low-income. PAE provided MEP engineering, technology, and lighting design services that enabled the all-electric building to meet ambitious performance, wellness, and resiliency goals, setting a new benchmark for student living.
Special Features
- All-Electric Design: Fully electrified systems eliminate on-site fossil fuel use, supporting decarbonization and campus climate targets.
- Energy Efficiency: Achieves 29% annual energy cost savings over ASHRAE 90.1 baseline through high-efficiency equipment and optimized systems.
- On-Site Renewable Energy: Rooftop photovoltaic array supplies up to 25kW of solar power to reduce reliance on grid energy.
- High-Performance HVAC: Air-source heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling year-round, with low energy use and maintenance needs.
- Water Conservation: Building systems reduce indoor water use by 38–40% through low-flow fixtures and thoughtful plumbing design.
- Thermal Comfort and Control: Energy-efficient appliances and operable windows support passive comfort strategies and user-centered design.
Resilience for the Future
Anchor House is engineered to perform reliably under future climate conditions. From wildfire-resistant air systems to passive thermal control and efficient load management, the building supports uninterrupted student life, even in the face of environmental stressors. These resilient design strategies ensure it remains a safe, healthy, and sustainable community for years to come.
Community-Centered Design
Anchor House integrates sustainability with student well-being through dynamic, community-focused spaces. Expansive lounges, study rooms, a demonstration kitchen, and multiple outdoor terraces foster connection and collaboration. The on-site Transfer Student Center supports academic and personal success, while a rooftop garden and an 8,600-square-foot fitness and yoga center promote holistic wellness. Together, these amenities reinforce the building’s mission to provide not just housing, but a supportive, inclusive living environment.
Sustainability in Practice
PAE’s engineering and designs empower Anchor House to operate with a low carbon footprint and high operational efficiency. By combining electrification, energy and water savings, and on-site renewables, the building meets rigorous performance benchmarks and contributes to UC Berkeley’s long-term climate goals, without compromising comfort or function.
