College students in Brooklyn Heights have a new hang out—it’s not a coffee shop or library and it’s open only to exclusive clientele who have 24/7 access.  Where‘s this cool new place?  At the Educational Housing Services (EHS) St. George Residence where a new student community center is welcoming students with inviting interiors made primarily from environmentally sustainable materials.

“Our goal was to create an even stronger sense of community for our residents by offering students a new, flexible ‘lifespace’ where they can cook a meal, gather with friends, play a game, watch a movie or even study,” said EHS President George Scott.  “The space was designed to serve as a social hub for the students who live there.”

The 8,200 square foot space provides EHS residents with series of engaging and dynamic environments.  Vibrant color schemes abound throughout the rooms with patterned wall coverings that were custom designed for EHS by Wid Chapman Architects of New York City, the designers for the project.  High graphic and color contrast was used to further distinguish one lounge area from the next.

Commitment to Being Green

In an effort to continue a commitment to being green, attention has been paid to using sustainable materials wherever possible.  Bamboo wood flooring covers the main kitchen/dining area, and eco-friendly carpet tiles continue throughout the rooms.  The entire space is lit by an energy saving lighting system installed especially for this project

Communal Spaces

The energy that this space has created is incredible. Even just a few days after fall move-in you can see how the community within the building has come together.

The complex includes a kitchen, grand lobby, study lounges and movie screening room all of which are varied in scale, ambience and function. Students can decide to spend time in an active, social, communal area—or they can choose a more intimate, private and quiet place to hang out. “The energy that this space has created is incredible,” said Scott. “Even just a few days after fall move-in you can see how the community within the building has come together.”

Lounges

Students can decide to spend time in an active, social, communal area—or they can choose a more intimate, private and quiet place to hang out.  “The energy that this space has created is incredible,” said Scott.  “Even just a few days after fall move-in you can see how the community within the building has come together.”

The Kitchen

The full kitchen includes multiple ovens, sinks, and stovetops, which create a convenient environment to cook meals.  At any time you can observe students cooking together at one of the multiple preparation areas, or sitting at the bar watching as others slice, dice, boil or steam.

The Grand Lobby

The St. George Grand lobby is housed in the most historic and traditional area of the facility, and the furnishings and décor reflect this fact with a grand scale fireplace, leather sofas and chandeliers.  The space, which also includes a “library,” maintains a youthful appearance, as the intention is to keep it hip- never stuffy.  Comfortable seating within a serene atmosphere support a study environment fit for individual learning and group projects.