At aTRR, we led the renewal of Brock University’s DeCew Residence, modernizing its ten distinct houses that have served students for over 50 years to better reflect today’s student experience and the evolving expectations of campus life.

Beginning in 2016, we completed a comprehensive study examining the comfort of students at DeCew. The study identified opportunities to enhance the overall living experience by refreshing the appearance and performance of bedrooms, washroom facilities and common social spaces. It also highlighted the need to upgrade and replace existing mechanical and electrical infrastructure to improve building efficiency and performance.

Central to the revitalization was a vision of the residence as a hub of campus activity. The renewal introduced adaptable spaces for students, staff and faculty, supporting flexible use as residence housing models evolve. The contrast between old and new construction ranges from minimal interventions throughout the building, to major corridor projections and openings in floors providing new access to daylight. The interior pedestrian corridor provides a student-focused amenity space that supports and fosters student wellness through a greater visual connection to nature and the Niagara Escarpment.