Glumac is partnering with the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) to create a dynamic and sustainable living environment for students. The project site, located at the northwest corner of UCSB’s main campus, will feature seven new buildings, providing a welcoming home for students with 2,250 beds by fall 2027.

The San Benito Student Housing project unfolds in two strategic phases. The first phase, commencing construction in 2025, is a proactive response to the growing need for student accommodation, aiming to enrich the campus lifestyle. The culmination of the second phase by 2029 will mark a milestone, housing 50% of the student body. Beyond mere residences, these buildings are envisioned as a community hub, with retail dining and various support spaces, reviving a campus area traditionally dedicated to
sports, recreation, and facilities management.

Navigating through the challenges posed by dual seismic fault lines, the delicate ecosystem and protected habitat of the Goleta Slough, and intricate topography, Glumac’s innovative design approach prioritizes sustainability and occupant well-being.

Additionally, we are leveraging Santa Barbara’s mild climate to provide passive ventilation for the majority of the building systems. By creating a high-performance living environment, we aim to enhance student life and contribute to the university’s long-term
vision of providing a comfortable, inspiring home for future generations of students.

Features

• Two-story plinth with amenity and support spaces that knit the buildings together as a neighborhood to foster community, and connect to garden courtyards Four rows of 6-to-8-story residential buildings span from east to west, angled and staggered to capture natural light, ocean breezes, and north views of the Goleta Slough and coastal range
•  A central pedestrian promenade slice through the buildings north-to-south, creating a welcoming view of
  the Santa Ynez Mountains
• Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA)

Awards & Certifications

• Targeting LEED Platinum Certification

Size: 700,000 sf, 7 buildings, 2,250 beds
Construction Cost: $550,000,000
Start/End date: April 2024 / August 2027
Delivery Method: Design-Bid Build
Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) & Mithun
Contractor: TBD
Owner: University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Services: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Energy Analysis, Resiliency Integration, Biophilic Design, Fire Protection