The building footprint is planned as a “Z” shape, which forms two distinct courtyards. The first is a north oriented “entry “ courtyard facing the main academic building. This entry courtyard facilitates the main entrance for the Residence and the future Conference Centre, the vehicle lay-by and short-term parking. It is also is appropriately landscaped to provide an inviting and appealing entrance to the new Residence building. The second courtyard is a south oriented “landscaped” courtyard which provides some very important and much needed outdoor amenity space directly related to the Residence building.

In addition to providing two attractive outdoor courtyards, the “Z” shape of the building configuration also reduces the overall scale and impact of the building. The proposed future expansion will further define and enclose the outdoor “Activity Courtyard”.

The ground floor features a single controlled access point for security, residence reception and administrative offices, a large central multi-purpose space, a group study room, a central laundry room, and facilities for building services and operations. An important space is the common kitchen with dining space which can be signed out by students for private dinners and small group events. Located adjacent to the multipurpose space, it can also be used as a catering staging area for larger events.