FEBRUARY 2024

FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY STUDENT DEVELOPMENT CENTER

FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY STUDENT DEVELOPMENT CENTER

This 11,695 SF multi-purpose facility for Florida Polytechnic University was designed in the shape of a phoenix, the student-selected mascot. It includes indoor recreation, outdoor aquatics, and student affairs offices. The project was delivered using the Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) method at a cost of $2.382M, with Straughn Trout Architects and Chastain Skillman as the civil engineers.

FL Poly Exterior 1
FL Poly Exterior 1
The Challenge

A BALANCED DESIGN

A BALANCED DESIGN

Designing a creative, interactive facility that reflects the dynamic academic and research environment of the university while adhering to budget constraints. The building needed to balance aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency while incorporating the university's mascot theme.

FL Poly SDC Lobby
FL Poly SDC Classroom
FL Poly Campus Aerial
The Solution

COLLABORATIVE SUSTAINABILITY

COLLABORATIVE SUSTAINABILITY

During pre-construction, the team collaborated with the architect to ensure that the design met both creative and budgetary expectations. The building was oriented to achieve passive energy savings through solar design, with a north/south solar orientation and a butterfly roof that efficiently directs rainwater to landscaped rain gardens. The structure’s design emphasizes natural lighting, strategic glazing to reduce heat gain and glare, and roof overhangs for solar shading.

The Outcome

CREATIVE & EFFICIENT SPACES

CREATIVE & EFFICIENT SPACES

The completed facility integrates sustainable features like solar orientation and rainwater management. Natural lighting fills key interior spaces such as the weight room, classrooms, and offices, creating an open, vibrant atmosphere. The building’s innovative design, in the shape of a phoenix, symbolizes the university’s creative and energetic spirit.

FLPolyWellness002

KEY COMPETENCIES

KEY COMPETENCIES

Creative Collaboration

Worked closely with architects to achieve a budget-friendly yet aesthetically bold design.

Sustainable Design

Solar orientation and roof overhangs for passive energy savings and natural lighting.

Water Management

Butterfly roof directs rainwater to rain gardens, reducing stormwater runoff.

Natural Lighting

Extensive glazing and roof design ensure well-lit interior spaces, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

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