Western Carolina University, Health & Human Sciences

Cullowhee, North Carolina

Firm

Clark Nexsen, PC

Client

Western Carolina University

Area

38,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$4,508,000

Completion Date

10/2012

WCU’s Health and Human Science Building is a 160,000-square-foot facility providing state-of-the-art learning environments for departments within the college. Nested into the mountainside without immediate built context or relationship to the existing campus, the design is a direct response to both the site and the program. The location and form of the building is defined by the site topography and solar orientation. The programmatic goal of inter-departmental collaboration drives the organization of the building in plan and section utilizing the "Collaborative Center", a multi-story atrium and technology resource center which connects all levels visually and functionally. This unifying element promotes interaction and engagement throughout the building. The juxtaposition of disciplines facilitates an exchange of ideas supporting research and development and a more comprehensive student education. Building technologies work in conjunction to reinforce opportunities for cross-pollination between departments. An expansive roof garden extends the communal gathering space outdoors, reinforcing the building’s connection to the natural environment and to the site.

Natural light is shared throughout the building, introduced through a south-facing atrium curtain wall and distributed to inner offices, corridors and small gathering areas through interior glazing. Sunscreens provide greater thermal comfort by limiting direct solar exposure while providing desirable natural daylight to accommodate lighting needs.

Additional Information

Cost per Sq Ft

$206.00

Featured in

2014 Educational Interiors

Interior category

Common Areas

Product suppliers specified

Carpet by J&J Commercial Carpet
Flooring by Mannington
Brick/Masonry by Cemex
Ceilings by Armstrong World Industries
Ceramic Tile by Dal-Tile
Ceilings by ACGI
Door Hardware by Rockwood
Door Hardware by Von Duprin
Doors by Eggers
Insulation by Dow Corning
Paint/Wallcoverings by Sherwin-Williams
Plumbing by Elkay
Plumbing by Symmons
Roofing by Hydrotech
Windows by Tubelite
Lighting & Accessories by GE Lighting
Emergency Lighting by Lithonia Lighting
Security Systems by Schlage
Locks by Corbin Russwin
Auditorium/Assembly Furniture by Steelcase
Classroom Furniture by Steelcase
Library/Media Center Furniture by Coalesse
Carpet by Monterey
Flooring by Armstrong World Industries
Brick/Masonry by Hanson Brick
Ceilings by Hunter Douglas
Ceramic Tile by Royal Mosa
Carpet by Crossley Carpet Mills
Door Hardware by Corbin Russwin
Elevators by KONE
Insulation by Johns Manville
Plumbing by Zurn
Roofing by Sarnafil
Windows by Graham Architectural Products
Lighting & Accessories by Lithonia Lighting
Lighting & Accessories by Delray Lighting
Lighting & Accessories by Sistemalux
Lighting & Accessories by Elliptipar
Locks by Rockwood
Locks by Von Duprin
Card Systems by Schlage
Lounge Furniture by Coalesse
Science Furniture by Steelcase
Drinking Fountains by Elkay
Washroom Accessories by Bobrick
Washroom Fixtures by Zurn
Washroom Fixtures by Elkay
Washroom Fixtures by Symmons
Washroom/Shower Partitions by Global Partitions
HVAC Units by McQuay
HVAC Control Devices by Automated Logic
Whiteboards / Markerboards / Chalkboards by Claridge
Kitchen Equipment by Hobart
Kitchen Equipment by Cleveland Range
Kitchen Equipment by Pittco
Lockers by Penco Products
Signage by APCO Signs
Communications Systems by TSAV
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