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.
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.
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.
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.
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.