Vision 3 Architects completes St. Raphael's $6.8 million Alumni Hall

St. Raphael Academy held the grand opening and dedication service for Alumni Hall, their new, 30,268 s/f, $6.8 million athletic and wellness center. Designed by Vision 3 Architects of Providence, RI, Alumni Hall replaces the academy's 80-year old gymnasium. At the heart of the new facility is the gymnasium, which is home court for the basketball team. It has two overlapping practice courts, a volleyball court, and seating for 750. The building also includes a 2,500 s/f fitness and weight training room with more than 30 pieces of equipment. Adjacent to the weight room is a "smart," multipurpose classroom for academic and team presentations. The lower level includes locker rooms faculty offices, a conference room, and new training and treatment center. The new center enhances the academy's physical education program. Not only does Alumni Hall house competitive and intramural sports, it provides options for those who do not excel in group sports or regular gym class. St. Raphael Academy's campus spans three city blocks in the historic Quality Hill neighborhood. Alumni Hall is the first new, stand-alone building built on campus since 1928. Vision 3 Architects collaborated with the Academy, the community, and the City to develop a design that complements the historic architectural character of the neighborhood, while meeting stringent city zoning requirements. It was a priority to incorporate energy efficient features into the design to reduce operating costs, and make Alumni Hall an environmentally friendly building. Sustainable design features include: *Orienting the building north-south to maximize daylight and minimize heat gain. *Reducing water usage by installing water efficient plumbing fixtures and hands-free automatic flush valves and faucets. *Incorporating glazing and insulation that exceed energy code requirements. A white, reflective roof protects against UV-rays, lowers surface temperatures, and reduces cooling loads and energy costs. *Using low, or no omitting, VOC (volatile omitting contaminant) floor and wall finishes.