IIT-Madras inaugurates its largest hostel – Times of India

CHENNAI: IIT-Madras on Monday inaugurated the largest hostel on the campus which can accommodate around 1,200 students. The hostel called Mandakini was built at the cost of Rs 146 crore after demolishing the older hostel building.
The 10-storey building has a built-up area of 32,180 square metre and various green building measures such as solar hot water system adopted to reduce the energy consumption of the building.
Rainwater recharge pits have also been provided in the building and treated waste water will be used for flushing and landscaping. It also retained existing trees and some trees have been transplanted. Mechanical ventilation is provided to toilets. It also used low energy and recycling materials for construction.
In a release, IIT-Madras director V Kamakoti said the institute is taking pride in providing top quality accommodation for students on the campus.
Highlighting some of the unique aspects of this building, S A Sannasiraj, chairman, engineering unit, IIT-Madras, said, “The hostel was built without much delay in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic in the last two years. It caters to all the home and relaxation needs of the students.”
The building is designed in such a way that sufficient light enters each corridor and each room. The interaction area with transparent light roofing at the terrace level is provided for casual relaxation of students. The central courtyard opens to the sky and has a natural ambient space for relaxation in addition to sports facilities such as basketball court, volleyball court and cricket practice pitch with net, among others.
The structure is PwD (persons with disabilities)-friendly with exclusive 10 PwD accommodation. Staircase, ramp and lifts were designed to be PwD friendly. PwD rooms with attached toilets have also been provided.