#9 University of Cincinnati

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Student hall name: Morgens Hall

Reflective of a modern skyscraper, Morgens Hall at the University of Cincinnati (UC) in Ohio ticks the boxes for being both eco-friendly and design-savvy.

The student housing block recently underwent a refurbishment that was completed back 2013, but this didn't stop the university from lapsing on the sustainability front it upholds. The Princeton Review declared UC as one of the top ten green universities in the US during the same year.

When it came to the renovation the previous building that dates back to 1964 was reused, meaning they were able to prevent truckloads of debris from going to landfill.

Key features include:

- 200,000 sq ft fitness and recreation space with indoor lap pool
- Hot stone massages and other relaxation treatments, for an affordable $25 (£17)
- Eco-friendly building
- Glass thermal weaved
- Floor to ceiling windows
- Cooktop/oven combination in room

The glass has been thermal weaved for energy conservation. Each panel is comprised of two quarter-inch thick windows but there is half an inch of air space between each window, this allows the glass to have low-emissive properties and prevent heat loss or gain.

Furthermore, the rooms are relatively small yet refined, allowing for savings on heating, cooling and lighting. A huge change from the once-concrete structure.

Morgens housing starts at $3,320 (£2,204) per term (on a 12 month contract, see website for more details) for a single occupancy apartment, to $3,155 (£2,094) per term for a double occupancy apartment. Apartments can also sleep up to eight students in a five bedroom suite with two bathrooms. Amenities include a kitchen with a microwave and cooktop/oven combination. Simple yet effective furniture can be found in these units.

Images courtesy of UC Creative Services