Construction underway for new student recreation centre expansion in California
Construction work is underway for a new student recreation centre expansion in the University of California, Riverside (UCR) campus, which is designed by architectural practice Cannon Design.
Estimated to cost $35.2 million, the project involves 9,000 square feet of renovation to an existing recreation centre, as well as more than 80,000 square feet of new construction. Creating new spaces while revitalising the existing areas, the new structure will be presented as an integrated, yet expanded recreation centre.
The existing 9,000-square-foot structure on the lower level will be upgraded to include new offices, administration areas, and training and multipurpose rooms. The expansive two-storey addition will connect to the existing facility with a new bridge between the upper floors.
The new construction will feature an indoor track, indoor climbing and bouldering wall, additional indoor courts, a new MAC gym, a fitness lab and massage therapy room, new weight and cardio equipment, a demonstration kitchen, and multi-purpose rooms.
Additionally, it will include a new circular locker room, which will be constructed using UCR traditional blend bricks. The second floor will have views of the new 5,000 square feet outdoor pool and deck, new sand volleyball courts, tennis courts and field space, as well as views of the Box Springs Mountains to the east.
Aspiring for LEED silver certification, the project involves the incorporation of the best use of natural light, as well as natural heating and cooling which will support the building’s sustainability efforts. Apart from that the materials for construction will revolve around UCR’s blend brick to make the new building reflective of the campus traditions.
UCR’s blend brick will be featured prominently on the opaque volumes at the ground level. The upper level will use a combination of curtain wall glazing and metal panels, and will feature vertical screening devices and overhangs to provide sun protection for the multiple solar orientations of the façade.
For the maximisation of natural light, different screen shapes and patterns will be used complementing the curvature of the second floor.
The completion of the project is targeted for January 2015.
