Lehigh University Singleton, Hitch, and Maida Residential Houses by Sasaki: Redefining Campus Living Through Connection, Community, and Sustainability

In 2020, Sasaki completed the Singleton, Hitch, and Maida Residential Houses at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, marking a transformative chapter in the university’s residential life. Encompassing 245,000 square feet, this new housing complex replaces outdated dormitories and introduces a forward-thinking model for student housing design, balancing privacy, community engagement, and well-being in a topographically challenging setting.

A New Vision for Residential Life

Tasked with enhancing the student experience and responding to Lehigh’s growing enrollment, Sasaki's design addresses the gap between traditional dormitories and isolated apartment living. The solution is a “bridge typology” — a hybrid housing model that fosters personal space while encouraging social interaction. Key elements include integrated study lounges, hangout zones, and group learning areas, all designed to create opportunities for organic student connection.

Contextual Design Rooted in Campus Character

Nestled within the university’s historic hillside campus, the design draws inspiration from Lehigh’s late-19th-century architectural language. The material palette references Pennsylvania bluestone, metal roofs, and iron spot brick with alternating smooth and rusticated textures — harmonizing seamlessly with existing stone structures. The buildings’ sculptural forms maintain the scale and rhythm of the traditional campus fabric while introducing contemporary architectural elements.

Strengthening Campus Connectivity

The new housing complex — divided into the North and South Clusters — addresses Lehigh’s steep terrain by introducing an accessible public pathway that spans six levels of grade change. This vertical circulation strategy not only enhances walkability but also forges vital north-south connections that previously didn’t exist. Students now enjoy new outdoor spaces, expanded sightlines, and better access to the academic core of campus.

Integrated Landscape Architecture

Sasaki’s landscape architecture strategy bridges significant elevation shifts and extends learning beyond the classroom. The design merges indoor and outdoor student life through recreational zones, green roofs, and a landscape informed by local woodland ecology. Stormwater management, habitat restoration, and biodiversity enhancement are embedded throughout the site, transforming it into a resilient and educational ecosystem.

Wellness and Interdisciplinary Living

More than just housing, the complex integrates wellness-driven amenities like fitness centers, multi-use classrooms, and a student café. These facilities promote mental and physical well-being, supporting Lehigh’s project-based, interdisciplinary curriculum. By weaving together residential life and academic opportunity, the project embodies a holistic, community-first approach to university housing.

Sustainability at Its Core

Lehigh’s legacy in science and engineering extends into the sustainable performance of this new residential neighborhood. Strategies include energy-efficient systems, green infrastructure, and a solar hot water demonstration, aligning with the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and climate resilience.

All Photographs are works of Jeremy Bittermann