NBA Interiors Wins Big at IIDA B.o.B. Awards

The Best of the Best Design Awards is the highest honor that IIDA Georgia can bestow upon a design team. The awards recognize design excellence and creativity that continuously push boundaries and exceed expectations. NBA was honored to have two projects, UH Midtown and UH Austin, tie for the first time in B.o.B. history as winners in the Multi Family Forum category. Learn more about these two off-campus student housing projects from University House Communities below.

UH Midtown
Atlanta, Georgia

Creating an upscale, urban and affordable living environment for Georgia Tech students was the challenge set forth in this project. The design approach was to develop synergy between exterior vernacular, landscape and interior design - where public spaces, inside or outside, felt integrated. Inside, an inspiring two-story community lounge was conceived where the articulation of the exterior carved out a tall, narrow volume of space. Outside, a central breezeway and large monumental stair provide quick access to street-level – providing outdoor community space as well as a controlled point for security. Featuring the raw concrete of the building structure in the interior materials palette was integral to the design strategy and crucial to maintaining the tight budget. The rawness was balanced with pattern, texture, bold color, and maximizing of natural light. Durable, high-quality finishes and furniture were incorporated to hold up over time and endure trends. The amenity spaces include a leasing office, residential lobby, club room, fitness, sky lounge and multi-functional media room. The resulting spaces not only create social hubs, but encourage study, innovation and collaboration, and shape a unique sense of community among the student residents.

UH Austin
Austin, Texas

The major goal for this 232,542-sf project was to be a new baseline for a truly authentic and quality design driven student housing environment that pays homage to the cities unique and colorful character, as well as its forward-thinking, high-tech industry scene. Eclectic finishes, artifacts, furnishings, lighting, and interior architectural details define the entry experience setting the tone for amenities discovery. The amenity program is personalized to serve a diverse student body. We took note of key spaces that create social interaction for young adults, helping to release the stress from university curriculum. The complex architecture, due to the site, dictated architecturally long, narrow and vertical spaces to fit a vast and diverse program which includes: Residential Lobby with fireplace and classic arcade games, Community lounge, Fitness, double level Genius Lounge, Outdoor (Pool, sunbathing and Jumbotron TV), and a double level Sky Lounge. The strong connection with the outdoor facilities and views from these linear amenities spaces convey a seamless cohesiveness with versatile retreats tailored to study, entertainment, personal time, social interaction.