海角视频

At the heart of Quinnipiac University’s lively Connecticut campus, the Recreation and Wellness Center pulses with energy and wellness.

In collaboration with designLAB, S3, and , 海角视频 has brought to life the Recreation and Wellness Center – a cutting-edge space designed to promote physical and mental well-being for university students. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by state-of-the-art fitness equipment, inviting communal areas, and innovative wellness programs that cater to the diverse needs of students and staff.

We spoke with 海角视频 Principal Paul Richardson about the use of mass timber on this project – which significantly reduces the building’s carbon footprint – and the commitment to zero fossil fuels, ensuring the center operates with minimal environmental impact.

Discover how 海角视频’s collaborative efforts have created a space that not only supports the health and wellness of the Quinnipiac community but also sets a new standard for sustainable design in educational institutions.

The Health and Wellness Center is a 35,000ft2 addition to the existing athletics field house at Quinnipiac University. Its purpose is to provide better health and wellness facilities for students on campus, aligning with the university’s focus on student well-being.

The two-story building features a biophilic design, integrating natural elements to enhance the environment. The picturesque campus, with Sleeping Giant State Park behind it, was a key driver in the architectural design. Wood was used extensively as a material throughout the project to create a strong connection with the outdoors. Daylight into the building was also maximized, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. The design aesthetic is strong and thoughtful, emphasizing connectivity with nature and the well-being of the students.

Wellness and sustainability goals and the use of mass timber to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint

Tell us about the key environmental and sustainability goals for the Health and Wellness Center?

Paul Richardson: A health and wellness building for students, should also be healthy for the environment. One of the project’s major achievements was obtaining LEED Platinum accreditation. A full lifecycle assessment ensured the building was environmentally friendly, considering both operational and embodied carbon.

The choice of materials was crucial, especially from a structural perspective, to achieve significant savings in embodied carbon. Along with the facade, a 60% reduction was demonstrated compared to standard baseline expectations for a building of this scale and size, without adaptive reuse.

Mass timber and a hybrid structure were chosen to optimize materials and performance. Mass timber was used primarily for the floors and roof, while steel was used where lighter materials were needed. This hybrid structure allowed tuning of the building’s structural elements for optimal performance, especially for dynamic requirements like dance halls and gym equipment.

The biophilic design aspirations and connectivity with the outdoors, particularly Sleeping Giant State Park, were important for student well-being and the building’s architectural appearance. The extensive use of timber throughout the building created a warm and inviting atmosphere, contrasting with the colder, more clinical feel of other materials. This was particularly beneficial in the health center, where services for students’ mental and physical well-being are provided.

Why was mass timber chosen as the primary material for this?

Paul: Mass timber was chosen because of the biophilic design aspirations for the building and its lower embodied carbon compared to steel or concrete. Mass timber has about half the embodied carbon of concrete due to a less intense manufacturing process. Additionally, carbon can be sequestered to a “colder” design would probably feel more traditionally clinical and would attract less students to the building. The design of the building is critical to achieve a building were students want to gather, be healthy and well.

into the material, capturing it as trees are harvested and retaining it until disposal. Using mass timber correctly and placing it in the best locations made the most effective reductions in embodied carbon, achieving about a 30% reduction in structural embodied carbon.

When using mass timber, it becomes apparent as soon as you see it because it’s all exposed. This creates an immediate feeling of environmental friendliness. A cold, clinical design would feel like a hospital, which is not what students want. They want a place to congregate, be healthy, and well. The design of the building is critical to achieving this.

How did the design of the building contribute to a reduction in energy consumption and the overall carbon footprint?

Paul: The design significantly reduced the carbon footprint by using the right structural materials to lower embodied carbon in the structure and facade. This approach achieved the biggest savings compared to baseline equivalent buildings.

Mass timber was used primarily for the floors and roof, while steel was used where lighter materials were needed. The facade material also contributed significantly to the savings. There were also substantial savings through the use of a CLT deck even with the steel beams.

To achieve the required structural performance, we optimized and strategically placed materials to maximize their benefits. Mass timber can replace steel or concrete, but without optimizing its properties, the savings in embodied carbon won’t be as significant. By using mass timber correctly and placing it in the best locations, we made the most effective reductions in embodied carbon.

How does this all play into the health and well-being of the students and staff at the university?

Paul: Everyone benefits from effective access to daylight, which streams through the building from the inner courtyard and all the facades in the studios and gyms. This abundance of natural daylight, achieved through our MEP strategy, creates a pleasant and attractive environment that draws people in. Providing facilities that the university previously lacked or has greatly improved upon significantly impacts both the mental and physical well-being of students and staff. These enhancements likely have the most profound effect on the university community.

Coordination between multidisciplinary teams

How does the multidisciplinary approach 海角视频 takes impact the project design?

Paul: Coordination between the wider design team – especially structural engineers and MEP engineers – is key. This is especially true in buildings where the structure is exposed, like the mass timber in this project. The structure and MEP elements are visible, requiring careful and thoughtful coordination. Mass timber buildings can’t have as many penetrations through beams and slabs as steel or concrete, necessitating a structural arrangement that marries structural and MEP needs. Revit played a big role in this coordination.

Our engineers work in multidisciplinary teams, closely second-guessing what is needed and being thoughtful about the choice of structural materials. Steel beams were chosen in some cases for necessary penetrations, requiring full coordination. 3D modeling in Revit helps with this thoughtfulness and communication, leading to a holistic and integrated engineering design.

Quinnipiac University and their facilities knew what they wanted. Engaging with the university’s facilities team and other stakeholders is key to running the building effectively. We successfully delivered and had a close relationship with the facilities team, which helped with the successful opening.

Our long-time partners, designLAB, appreciate our creative and practical contributions. We work to understand what is best for the building and the client, navigating, coordinating, and designing something that performs efficiently, has a light touch on the earth, and also looks nice.

By incorporating advanced engineering solutions, mass timber construction, and a commitment to zero fossil fuels, Quinnipiac University’s Recreation and Wellness Center demonstrates how thoughtful design can significantly reduce environmental impact while providing inviting and functional spaces. The biophilic design and extensive use of natural materials foster a connection with nature, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that supports the health and wellness of students and staff.