Athletic Center Renovation Planned at R.I. School

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Construction recently started for a renovation and expansion project at the athletic center at Peddie School, a private facility that serves more than 500 students in small classroom environments.

RMJM Hillier, the North American division of RMJM Group, designed the project. It includes a renovation to the existing 112,000-suare-foot facility that was built in 1972 and construction of a new 35-meter competition pool, wet lockers, a grandstand, fitness and wellness center and all-weather outdoor turf fields.

“We drew inspiration for the project from the qualities of water and its ability to reflect and refract light,” says Barbara Hillier, AIA, design principal at RMJM Hillier. “The design is also a response to holistic thinking of buildings as both energy producers and consumers.”

The building envelope for the natatorium features a clear architectural cladding material to allow daylight to filter into the building’s interiors. A 20-inch cavity between the building’s exterior layers will collect sunlight and heated air, which will be removed through sensor-operated vents during the summer when there is excess heat. The air will be used to heat the facility during winter.

The existing athletic center will be renovated and most of the existing skylights, exterior brick and concrete will be preserved and reused. The building will be outfitted with a rooftop photovoltaic system to generate power and reduce the heat-island effect.

RMJM Hillier has worked with Peddie School for more than 30 years, including development of the school’s master plan and the design of more than 12 buildings. Recent projects include the Annenberg Science Center and the Finn M.W. Caspersen Campus Center.