Neumann/Smith Architecture have designed Hillcrest Hall, a combined housing, dining and academics building located at Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

Built into a hill on the south side of campus, Hillcrest Hall combines housing, dining and academics, strengthening the Oakland University student and community experience.

Oakland University’s goal is to provide high quality, affordable housing and dining facilities for up to 4,000 residential students by 2030. To help achieve that goal, the new Hillcrest Hall is an enticing option for sophomore and junior students to enhance the perception of campus housing as a full-service, living and learning environment.

Designed in mind for students seeking further independence, the housing features include suite-style living arrangements for four people sharing a private bathroom and in-room kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators. The dining center is a 400-seat “all you can eat” set up in pods featuring eight food stations. There is also a 100-seat micro-restaurant and convenience store called the Hive. Other areas include the multi-purpose and event space, four academic classrooms, a fitness center, expansive main lounge with computer access and printing station, additional study lounges on upper floors, common areas and community kitchens and laundry facilities on each floor.

An outdoor linear plaza also provides flexible exterior open space for special events and group activities. This new student housing destination, located on the southern residential quad, aligns harmoniously with exterior building design standards to create consistency across OU’s campus.

Architect of Record: Neumann/Smith Architecture
Contractor: Frank Rewold & Sons
Photography: John D’Angelo