In Maine, the new school of res-hall design prioritizes sustainability, style, and amenities (DownEast) · College of the Atlantic

Architectural rendering of Collins House, COA’s newest residence hall, which is designed to Passive House standards.

Facing a dearth of affordable rentals in Bar Harbor, COA sought to house more of its 350 students on campus. Belfast’s OPAL architecture firm, which helped design the college’s Davis Center for Human Ecology to meet rigorous Passive House efficiency standards, was tasked with conceiving a 46-bed dorm that met those requirements, as well as some unusual ones from students.

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