The continuous growth of the student community at Lehigh University prompted the institution to expand upon the residential living facilities on its Bethlehem campus. This included the development of a new 245,000 sf dormitory complex for second-year and upper-class students in two major phases.

The first phase of the new residence hall complex consists of the Singleton, Hitch, & Maida Houses, which were constructed around a central circulation route to foster a sense of community for its 375 residents. The 140,000 sf of facilities are primarily comprised of single and double-bedroom suites with private restrooms. Social spaces include a fitness center, a dance studio, a coffee house, and multiple meeting, study, and lounge spaces.

Vanderweil provided MEP/FP engineering and energy modeling services, which were key to balancing student comfort with high standards for sustainability espoused by the university. Systems such as individually controlled AC for each suite are offset with energy-saving systems such as enthalpy wheel air-side energy recovery in rooftop AHUs and high-efficiency condensing boilers.

The project reduced water consumption by utilizing air-cooled chillers in lieu of water-cooled chillers, eliminating cooling tower demand, employing low-flow plumbing fixtures, integrating landscaping that does not require permanent irrigation.