Cannon Design's Boston office designed the new recreation center at the University of Maine. Design and construction team members along with students, faculty and administrators celebrated the completed building at a recent dedication ceremony.
The 88,000 s/f recreation center was the largest building project ever undertaken at UMaine. The facility features a three-court gymnasium, fitness center, natatorium (with swimming pool and sauna), walking/jogging track, Multiple Activity Court (MAC) court, racquetball (convertible to squash) courts, and support spaces. The contemporary building incorporates sustainable building materials and systems, including heat-recovery systems and recyclable materials. The university is seeking LEED Silver certification for the project
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 copper panels, field stone, glass walls, and architectural precast concrete panels harmonizes with the natural setting. Inside, exposed wood structure, wood paneling, and light filled spaces reinforces and connects with the natural setting.
According to Peter Hourihan, principal at Cannon Design, "We are proud to have partnered with Oest Associates, Pizzagalli Construction Company, and the UMaine campus community to create such an exciting, sustainable facility that was delivered on time and on budget."