Pepper Canyon Student Housing Project Won ENR Best Residential/Hospitality Project in Southern California
A.O. Reed is honored to share that the Pepper Canyon Student Housing Project at UC San Diego has earned the ENR Best Residential/Hospitality Project Award in the Southern California region.
The awarded projects were selected based on excellence in design, innovation, and teamwork, qualities that were central to every stage of Pepper Canyon. Completed in Fall 2024, this transformative development delivers two high-rise towers, standing 22 and 23 stories tall, that together provide 1,321 new student beds within a 720,541-square-foot complex.
The A.O. Reed team provided HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems designed to meet the demands of high-density student housing while supporting long-term energy performance and sustainability goals. To improve efficiency, we utilized prefabrication in a major way, designing and installing factory-built bathroom and kitchen “pods.” This innovative approach streamlined installation, reduced on-site labor, and maintained consistent quality, while also helping the project meet tight construction schedules.
Sustainability was another major focus, with Pepper Canyon targeting LEED Platinum certification. A.O. Reed’s systems support passive cooling strategies, natural ventilation, and electric refrigerant-based water heating systems.
By adding over 1,316 beds, including dedicated spaces for undergraduates, residential assistants, and staff, the project directly addresses UC San Diego’s critical need for affordable housing. Through our collaboration with architects, engineers, and campus leadership, A.O. Reed helped create a flexible and functional residential environment that fosters academic success and student connection.
This recognition from ENR is a testament to the innovation, teamwork, and technical excellence that defined the Pepper Canyon Student Housing Project. For A.O. Reed, it represents not just an award-winning project, but also an opportunity to highlight how our expertise in mechanical systems, plumbing, and prefabrication can help shape sustainable, community-driven environments for the future.
Pepper Canyon Student Housing Project
This project provides 1,317 beds for UCSD’s transfer students. Studies have shown that students who live on campus have a higher GPA and engagement in university activities. This project helps provide more living spaces so that the students can have economic relief and thrive socially and academically. The project was completed in Fall 2024. A.O. Reed turned over another iconic project at the UCSD campus, meeting the strict budget and schedule.