New Living-Learning Student Housing Community Located on the University of Houston Campus Opens

HOUSTON, TX - Cougar Village II, a new living-learning student housing community designed by KSQ Architects on the University of Houston campus recently opened–featuring a contemporary design and affordable budget for the university.

KSQ, in association with Brave/Architecture of Houston, completed the freshman housing project within a tight timeframe and a budget set three years prior to construction. At under $45,000 per student bed, Cougar Village II is an example of cost-effective, high-quality design work. Austin Commercial of Houston was the contractor on the design-build project.

In addition to more than 1,100 student beds, the project features Student Housing & Residential Life main offices, classroom spaces, faculty-in-residence apartments, student lounges and study rooms that build a bridge between residential and academic life. Natural light is brought in through striking glass-encased lounges that provide a lantern effect at night.

“This project creates a strong identity for the university’s southern edge and ties in seamlessly with Cougar Village I, the first phase of freshman housing on this site,” said Sean Studzinski, the KSQ principal-in-charge on the project. “We’re especially proud of how well the design turned out–both inside and out–on a tight budget.”

“We’re proud of the building and how design decisions were made to foster student-to-student interaction and student success," said Don Yackley, executive director of Student Housing & Residential Life for the University of Houston. Cougar Village II is also home to the university’s FYRE (Freshman Year Residential Experience) program.