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A place to recharge the mental batteries...
The largest building project ever undertaken at the University of Maine at Orono, the LEED Silver-certified Student Recreation Center features a three-court gymnasium, fitness center, natatorium, suspended walking / jogging track and support spaces. The contemporary building fits seamlessly into its heavily wooded site and incorporates sustainable building materials and systems including heat-recovery systems and recyclable materials. Two double-height skylighted galleries, one north-south and one east-west, form the primary circulation.
Inside, exposed wood structures and wood panelling evoke a natural, organic ambiance. Extensive use of glass on the south façade presents views of the activities within and provides users with views out to the scenic campus. The building’s exterior material palette of architectural precast concrete panels, copper metal clad panels, field stone and glass walls harmonises with the natural setting.
The center is home to 13,000 intramural sports participants annually and, with over 1,500 daily visits, it has become a mainstay of campus activity. Students, faculty staff and local community members use the facility and more than 125,000 visitors have walked through its doors since its October 2007 opening. In addition to its recreational uses, the facility has become home to numerous university events, meetings, career fairs, new student recruitment open houses and community events.
This project has won national awards from several athletic and design associations.
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