Honors Housing

The Honors program at Ohio Wesleyan University continues to grow and desired a facility to incorporate students into a dedicated Honors House on the campus edge. The University retained the BSHM/Little Team to execute the design of a new 27 student themed residence hall for honors students.

The design is intended to foster collaboration and academic rigor, the house is a two story building containing a mix of single and double occupancy rooms with shared restroom facilities on both levels. Also included is a common kitchen, large living space where the entire program can come together, seminar space for teaching honors level courses, and outdoor amenities such as a terrace and fire pit for social gatherings. The building integrates into the residential street setting by keeping a small scale of massing, and will use local residential materials to be a good ‘neighbor’ to others.

This 7,000 sf residence hall will have lecture/seminar space adjacent to its first floor kitchen and social areas. Laundry facilities are available on the first floor and a total of 6 showers, 6 separate toilet rooms and common sink areas serve these residents. The residence hall replaces an 11 student, 1900’s house on the edge of campus. The hipped roofs, lap siding, stone foundation and porch are contextual elements that feel like “HOME” to the honors students.