Overview: The RAD Center is the first mass timber project at the University of Houston. Envisioned as a "third place" outside of the home or classroom, the building replaces an underground dining facility that was severely damaged during Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

The design draws inspiration from the campus' surrounding woodlands with timber on display and upper-story glass providing abundant natural light, which further blurs the threshold between inside and outside.

This project was designed and constructed in alignment with the AIA 2030 Commitment, achieving an 84% reduction in predicted energy use intensity compared to similar buildings. Through high-performance design strategies and energy-efficient systems, the project contributes to the AIA 2030 goal of carbon-neutral buildings by 2030.