As part of its unique approach to Bible-based higher education, Highlands College hired TURNERBATSON to design a new student housing facility for its Grandview campus. The student housing will play an integral role in shaping the college experience for its students, who prior to now, have been housed in apartments throughout the area.

The five-story structure sits at the highest point of the Grandview campus in place of an existing HealthSouth helipad. The 68,000 square foot design provides 250 beds during the initial phase. In the future, a twin building housing another 250 students will be constructed. The top four levels feature dorm rooms with private bathrooms located within “neighborhood” wings. Each wing is divided by a common social space encouraging students to relax, converse, or spend time in group or individual Bible studies.

The ground floor contains student housing as well as a commons area, grab-and-go café, an exterior covered porch with lounge seating, a resident manager’s apartment, laundry housekeeping room, and electrical/mechanical rooms. Each floor provides a lobby, security point, and elevator.

The intent of the building is to provide students with an atmosphere that builds relationships. Students are able to enjoy student activity areas for recreation and events, expansive views of the city of Birmingham, and the main campus green encouraging outdoor walkability.