Olympia Place
Located near the University of Massachusetts, Olympia Place delivers an unparalleled housing experience designed specifically with students in mind.
Project Details
Location
Amherst, MA
Client
Archipelago Investments
Year Completed
2016
Project Size
100,000 sq. ft.
73 units
Certification
LEED for Homes Midrise Gold
Sustainability
Designed to achieve LEED for Homes Midrise Gold certification, the building systems and wall construction reduce energy consumption by 39.9%. Efficient mechanical systems, LED lighting, Energy Star appliances, and low-flow fixtures further reduce energy and water consumption.
Land Recognition
We have a responsibility to not only acknowledge but also elevate Native communities and their needs. This project is adjacent to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, which was founded and built on the unceded homelands of the Pocumtuc Nation, called “Nonotuck” or “Norwottuck.” The Pocumtuc people were displaced by colonization.
Educating ourselves is an important action. We encourage you to explore the history of Nonotuck via Historic Northampton.
Awards
- 2018 Architect Magazine Residential Architect Design Awards, Student Housing Award
- 2018 AIA Northwest Pacific Region Honor Award
- 2018 AIA Northwest & Pacific Region (NWPR) Honor Award
- 2017 AIA Portland Citation Award
- 2016 Design-Build Institute of America, New England Region Gold Award
New Student Housing in Amherst
A privately developed student housing complex in Amherst, Massachusetts, Olympia Place is the perfect place for students to live, study, and connect. The 73 units range from studios to four-bedroom suites, providing 217 for students. Every part of the building was thoughtfully designed with modern, sustainable solutions, keeping students’ needs in mind.
On the project, Holst served as the Design Architect in partnership with DiMella Shaffer, who served as the Architect of Record.
Traditional Forms, Modern Living
Referencing traditional New England academic architecture, the building resembles a cluster of gables. The resulting effect is an accessible, small-village campus feel. The building’s bays form two courtyards, providing outdoor gathering space and access to nature. The private courtyard, planted with birch trees and ferns, provides a tranquil amenity.
Blending Architecture With Landscape
Situated in a beautiful woodland setting on an oddly shaped six-sided site, the scheme breaks down the scale of the large building into smaller volumes, set at angles. The brick and white metal exterior is designed for visual contrast, also minimizing the appearance of the building’s mass.
Curated Amenities for Students
Amenities were chosen and designed with today’s students in mind. An incredible two-story lobby welcomes residents to gather, with modern furniture, fireplaces, unlimited coffee, and flex spaces that can be reserved for meetings, group projects, and more. A foosball and tennis table make it an excellent place for residents to connect. The building’s state-of-the-art fitness center is open 24/7, giving students flexibility for their busy schedules.
