NTMA Awards:
University of South Carolina Wellness and Fitness Center
Honor Award
Architect: The Boudreaux Group, Columbia, South Carolina
Terrazzo Contractor: David Allen Company, Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina
The University of South Carolina wanted every aspect of the new University of South Carolina Wellness and Fitness Center to exude high quality and timelessness. In response, the owner and design team emphasized the use of “real” materials in the 190,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art recreation facility. With thousands of students projected to use the facility each day, terrazzo emerged as the best choice for the expansive common space.
The new recreation center is designed primarily for use by the general student population. Therefore, the owner’s desire was for the interior color scheme to have it’s own unique feeling, separate and distinct from University athletics. A palette of nine terrazzo colors was developed, based on the inherent “natural” selections from several of the main venues: charcoal grays, recalling the rock of the three-story climbing wall; warm neutrals, from the building’s brick and concrete structural frame; deep reds, reminiscent of the site; watery blues, from the natatorium an adjacent outdoor pool. Tonal variations on the theme were selected to work in harmony with the building’s ground face cmu, translucent skylights, maple flooring, and stainless steel details.
The floor at the main entry presents the focal point of the building. Beneath an oculus within the skylight-domed rotunda, rests a three-dimensionally-rendered compass rose incorporating all nine terrazzo colors. The compass design reaches outward with radial accents and radiating bands that stretch toward each of the three main entryways.
The three-story gallery space marks the central axis of the complex, creating a meeting and circulation spine for student interaction. Two-toned buff and gray diamond-patterned terrazzo with black accents occupy the main portions of the floor, and carnelian red fields bordered by black and white bands delineate the structural bays. Finally, amidst a myriad of secondary corridors and residual spaces, each delineated with its own unique terrazzo field, the secondary entry area is punctuated with a 20-foot diameter circle and star pattern, recalling once again the rotunda’s prominent theme.
The Clay Center for the Arts and SciencesJob of the Year, 2003/2004
Architect: Calloway, Johnson, Moore West, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Terrazzo Contractor: Roman Mosaic and Tile Company, Linthicum, Maryland
The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences houses the performing arts, visual arts and the sciences all under one roof - one of the few centers of its kind in the country. The Clay Center is one of the ambitious economic, cultural and educational undertakings in West Virginia’s history. The Clay Center will enhance the region’s “quality of life” and enrich the lives of all West Virginians. The 14,500 square feet of six-color epoxy terrazzo floor energizes the lobbies and main entrances. The terrazzo pattern has swirls and bands that pulsate in many directions. At the center of every swirl is a stainless steel disc. The color and contrast between the six epoxy colors and the chips are vibrant and breathtaking.
The Clay Center required a flooring system that was durable yet could incorporate the artistic designs needed for this space. Since this building is used mainly for entertainment functions, this exciting and bold pattern stands out when people are walking on it as well as looking down from balconies. The six colors are a mixture of marble chips, plastic chips, and mother of pearl. Divider strips are 3/8” x 1/8” heavy top zinc angle strips; all strips were slotted and bent on the job. The main stairway has 1/2” thick pre-cast epoxy t
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