Shinn Residence Hall at Berea College was designed to reflect the college’s commitment to sustainable living and its culture of simplicity. The new facility adds 121 beds to support student housing needs as older dorms undergo renovation, while offering flexible, community-focused living environments in response to student feedback.

More than just a residential space, Shinn Hall serves as a living/learning laboratory where students can engage directly with sustainable practices. The project integrated the college community throughout its development, with poplar trees harvested from Berea’s FSC Certified Forest and hauled by mules to the wood studio. Students milled the wood for trim and handcrafted furniture for each room, while student-designed art—such as a ceramic Berea Sundial—enriches the building’s character.

The facility incorporates building systems that promote environmental awareness, including a dashboard that monitors real-time energy use and production. This interactive tool encourages students to consider their personal consumption habits as part of the overall sustainability mission.

Shinn Hall features geothermal heating and cooling, a photovoltaic array supplying 13% of its energy, 100% recycled brick cladding, operable low-e windows, and high-efficiency lighting with occupancy sensors. These strategies contributed to the building’s LEED Platinum Certification and Petal Certification through the Living Building Challenge, marking it as a national model for sustainable student housing.