South Dorms | Sheridan College

Malone Belton Abel’s design converted a group of three 1960’s era dormitories on the Sheridan College Campus into a unified modern residence hall.  Two sections of new construction were used to connect the three existing buildings, which were completely gutted, leaving only exterior walls and roof structure.

Our design adapted the severe limitations of the existing structures into a variety of opportunities: no space for duct work  (only 6” of interstitial space) meant each room could have its own climate control system;  matching three different floor elevations meant multi-level group meeting spaces could be created; joining the three buildings meant the creation of a fully landscaped south-facing courtyard; the constraints of the building outlines allowed for a variety of room types: doubles and singles that rely on a common bathroom; single suites with private bath; and accessible suites with accessible private bath.

Where the buildings join, we found opportunity to create high public spaces.  A section of the second floor corridor opens onto the new main entry, making the entrance to the upstairs rooms as welcoming as the main floor.

Each of the original three two-story buildings is now a separate wing of the residence hall.  The resulting six areas each has its own character, but all have a quiet study-room and kitchenette.   A social hall with a larger kitchen, a computer lab, a laundry, and the main entry are used by all the residents.

• Completed: 2000