Project Tour: Iowa Student Living

Latitude at River Landing is an off campus student apartment property located in Coralville, IA - just down the road from the University of Iowa campus. The Kuchar design team created a hard-working, genuine space for students who want an energetic living space but don't want to live near campus.

Looking inside the main student lounge

Project material palette

Inspired by the raw materials used in nearby farms and fields, we used a mix of plywood - both raw and painted, stock lumber, pegboard and concrete as the base of the interior palette. Those materials were juxtaposed with bright, primary colors which represent the school spirit and brand. Another inspiration was the "barn quilts" found around Iowa which are proud symbols of the farm owners. The geometric patterns that are commonly used were the basis of many of the geometric shapes found in accent walls, lighting and upholtery around the property.

Upon entering the building, the large lobby provides hang out space with a mix of furniture types to support any small gathering. With durability and budget as high priorities, Kuchar used interesting paint transitions on the ceiling and concrete floor along with plywood walls to add durable accents.

The bright and bold lobby is accented by a colorful pattern inspired by local barn quilts

A communal dining area adjacent to the leasing office

The main lounge has a garage door that opens to an adjacent firepit

The main lounge features a garage door that opens up to the pool deck fire pit. Kuchar designed a space that can be used to play games or watch THE game - or both at the same time! An elongated fireplace in the center of the room divides the room into two spaces to allow for multiple groups to enjoy the lounge together, or apart.

Accent lighting used within the lounge

Just off the lobby is a two-story study lounge with a mix of seating types to suit any type of learning style. The study includes small conference rooms, private focus pods, standing collaboration tables, a computer station, and booth seating for private group meetings. The space is divided by a painted lumber feature which provides some privacy as a screen but allows natural light to enter the lounge.

A two story lounge space is sectioned off by a painted timber screen wall

A variety of study spaces are available for the students to use, including standing height tables and computer stations.

Another area of the study room with long banquette seating and private study pods

Inspired by the painting of barn quilts, this brick accent wall is painted with the brand colors.

Penthouse lounge

The penthouse lounge is a cozy, elevated space for a small group to kickback and play games or watch tv. The lounge is also directly connected to a small outdoor patio that overlooks the nearby businesses.

Each floor is marked by a series of painted, rough cut lumber to indicate which floor you are on, immediately upon existing the elevators.

The large floor plates are accented with different colors and numbers to help with wayfinding.

The fitness center was kept simple yet bold. In order to obtain high ceilings, the ductwork was exposed and painted one of the brand accents.

Brightly colored HVAC equipment is the accent of the fitness center.

The pool deck - a true highlight of this property - boasts a large pool, hot tub, jumbo screen, fire pits, lounge beds and hammocks. The Kuchar team selected all of the furniture pieces for this space bringing the brand colors into most of the seating and providing energy to the neutral architecture.

Courtyard with pool and bright outdoor seating

Conversation fire pit

Project: Latitude at River Landing

Location: Coralville, Iowa

Completion: 2019

Photography: Ben Easter Photography