University Of California, Irvine’s Middle Earth Housing

PRLog (Press Release) - Dec 11, 2009 -
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE’S MIDDLE EARTH HOUSING
RENOVATION COMPLETE
Ware Malcomb Designs Dormitory Renovations for the UCI Campus

(October 2009)  Irvine, California – Middle Earth Housing Dormitory (www.housing.uci.edu/me/) renovations on the University of California, Irvine (www.uci.edu) campus are providing UCI students with up to date spaces that increase efficiency, sustainability and functionality.  The Middle Earth Housing dormitories are located in Irvine, California and are comprised of 24 residence halls, which house between 45-75 students.  

Ware Malcomb (www.waremalcomb.com) provided full-service interior architecture and design services for UCI’s dormitory transformation.  Renovations were provided for two Phase I housing units consisting of 20 bathrooms, which include accessible shower stalls and restrooms, as well as fresh carpeting, new fire sprinklers, electrical main and piping, roofing replacement, mechanical room upgrades and more all within the Misty Mountain and The Shire dormitories.  Kitchens were also remodeled to provide new cabinetry, countertops and fixtures.  Additional renovation services were provided for Phase III housing units including 9 shower stalls within the Crickhollow, Evenstar and Valimar dormitories.    

The dormitories feature sustainable design and provide a healthier and more durable space for students.  The project incorporated a variety of products boasting sustainable features such as eco-friendly ceramic tile flooring, recycled bamboo millwork, solid surface countertops, new Certified Cool Roof system, recyclable content carpet, low-flow plumbing fixtures, aerated faucets/shower heads, and the use of Low VOC paint.  Existing boiler and water heaters were replaced with higher efficiency units to reduce energy consumption within the buildings.  Additionally, all of the original interior lighting fixtures were removed and replaced with more efficient light fixtures to reduce the power consumption of the buildings.  

Construction for the design-build project began in June 2009 and was completed on schedule in September 2009, as well as within budget.  2H Construction (www.2HConstruction.com) of Signal Hill, California was the General Contractor for the project.  

About the University of California, Irvine (www.uci.edu)  
Founded in 1965, the University of California, Irvine is commitment to cutting-edge research, teaching, learning and creativity. UCI is a driving force for innovation and discovery that benefits our local, national and global communities in many ways.  The university is consistently ranked among the nation’s best with achievements in a broad range of fields that have garnered high national rankings for many schools, departments and programs.

About Ware Malcomb
Ware Malcomb (www.waremalcomb.com) is a global integrated design firm offering planning, architecture, interior design, graphic design and site development services. Established in 1972, Ware Malcomb is committed to providing clients with integrated services across the world.  Ware Malcomb specializes in the design of educational facilities, commercial office, industrial, technology, retail, public/institutional, healthcare and renovation projects.  Ware Malcomb’s corporate office is located at 10 Edelman, Irvine, California 92618.  We also have 10 additional offices including locations in the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, San Diego, Northern California, Denver, Chicago, Phoenix, New Jersey, Toronto (Canada) and Panama.  

For more information about our expertise, please contact Tom Myers, Principal at tmyers@waremalcomb.com or 949.660.9128.