Ryder Architecture and Hotson Architecture, in collaboration, recently designed t? ?x?h?lel?m?s t? k??a??k???a?? (The Houses of the Ones Belonging to the Saltwater), a series of five student residences at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
Photo credit: Ema Peter Photography
The project addresses the importance of student wellness, inclusivity, and sustainable design through its dynamic programming, visual transparency and context-responsive materiality.  
Although considered an infill project, the seven- to ten-storey buildings are in a prime location near the central bus loop, which provides a vital link between Vancouver and this campus of over 58,000 students, with approximately 13,000 students currently living on campus.
A lack of affordable off-campus student rentals in Vancouver makes these nearly 1,000 beds a desirable alternative for students. The new residences opened its doors for the first time during the 2021-2022 academic year after the global pandemic caused an 18-month period of upheaval and disruption that essentially shut down on-campus student life. 
Photo credit: Ema Peter Photography
The Musqueam Indian Band generously bestowed the names to UBC in their h?n?q??min??m? language as a gift in spring 2021. The buildings are stitched together with understated landscape architecture, creating an urban streetscape along Student Union Boulevard adjacent to the bus loop, ensuring a high degree of site safety, visibility and accessibility.

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