Building a residence hall can be disruptive to not only the school but also the neighboring community. Because of some new construction methods, the process is getting speedier than ever.

Mortenson Construction's Andy Frank (snapped at a recent company outing) tells us techniques like prefab construction, 3D modeling, and a design-build approach can all expedite a project. Mortenson and architect FGM are the design-build crew on a suite-style hall at Valparaiso U in Indiana, and Andy says 3D modeling resolves construction conflicts "before a hammer hits a nail. And the new strategy is helping shave time—construction began last July and the property will be ready this fall, two to three months ahead of where a project with older methods might be.

A rendering of the gothic-style design for Valpo. Andy tells us additional time is saved with prefab construction materials, since they don't take up room or resources at the construction site. As for the hall itself? It'll be Valpo's first suite-style property (for sophomores only), and the school hopes it can serve as a multi-use facility, housing both students and summer camp attendees all year long.