Quinnipiac University Recreation + Wellness Center, Hamden, Connecticut
Completed in January 2023, Quinnipiac University Recreation + Wellness Center in Hamden, Conn., marks the first stage of Quinnipiac University’s 10-year master plan to enhance and unite its three locations while creating more space for gathering and engagement. The project provides comprehensive care for students including testing and treatment, mental health services, nutrition consultations, and prescription delivery.
Designed by architecture firm DesignLAB (Boston), the new health and wellness center, referred to as “RecWell” by the university and community, brings together clinical health, mental health, and recreation under a single structure in support of whole-body wellness.
RecWell prioritizes biophilic principles
With a structure composed of cross-laminated timber, RecWell’s design draws on principles of biophilia. Wood paneling, local stone, and interior green walls connect the building to the lush surrounding landscape.
A key consideration was realizing the university’s goal of connecting building occupants to the surrounding beauty of the rich Connecticut landscape, guided by principles of biophilia. The facility includes wide views of Sleeping Giant State Park, one of Connecticut’s most beloved state parks featuring 32 miles of trails and named for the two miles of traprock mountaintop that resemble the profile of a giant lying in repose.
One of the four fitness studios features a fully retractable wall leading to an outdoor deck for indoor-outdoor workouts.
Healthy living lifestyle
The new building supports strengthening the bodies and minds of students, faculty, and staff through programming focused on “the ecosystem of wellness” measured along social, financial, emotional, physical, spiritual, environmental, educational and occupational dimensions. The building also creates a new healthy living program with classes in cooking, nutrition, and other lifestyle elements.
Designed to connect to an adjacent, existing university athletics building, the 55,000-square-foot multipurpose expansion facility features new recreational and clinical spaces, counseling center, dedicated athletic training space, four fitness studios, a new central courtyard for student gatherings or quiet contemplation, and a terrace garden.
Services include group and one-on-one therapy, medical services from provider Hartford Healthcare (Hartford, Conn.), club sports, group fitness, classes, and special events.
The Recreation and Wellness Center was designed to meet LEED Gold-level sustainable design standards, though the project is not pursuing certification.
Quinnipiac University Recreation + Wellness Center project details
Project location: Hamden, Conn.
Completion date: January 2023
Owner: Quinnipiac University
Total building area: 55,000 sq. ft.
Total construction cost: $37 million
Cost/sq. ft.: approximately $670
Architect: DesignLAB architects
Associate architect: S3 Design
Structural engineer: Buro Happold
Engineers: Buro Happold (MEP/FP, energy modeling/sustainability, ICT/AV/security), Nathan L. Jacobson & Associates (civil)
General contractor: FIP Construction
Timber: Nordic Structures
Cladding: ALPOLIC, Unicel
Glass: PRELCO, Guardian Glass
Skylights & Entries: Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope (metal-framed)
Security Grilles: Overhead Door
Surfaces: Sherwin-Williams, Wilsonart
Project details are provided by the design team and not vetted by Healthcare Design.
