SmithGroup

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON CLEAR LAKE RECREATION AND WELLNESS CENTER

SmithGroup

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman
University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman

ARCHITECTS
SmithGroup

LEAD ARCHITECTS
SmithGroup

LANDSCAPE
Asakura Robinson

CLIENTS
University of Houston-Clear Lake

ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT
Harrison Kornberg Architects

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Martinez Moore Engineers

DESIGN TEAM
Mark Kranz, Clint Menefee, Jared Smith

IT CONSULTANTS
Datacom Design Group

AV/IT CONSULTANTS
Datacom Design Group

MANUFACTURERS
AutoDesk, ACGI, PLAE, Robbins Sports Surfaces, ACT 3D, Hunter Douglas, Trimble Navigation

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Langan

MEP ENGINEERING
SmithGroup

AV
Datacom Design Group

PHOTOGRAPHS
Bill Timmerman

AREA
81000 ft²

YEAR
2018

LOCATION
Houston, United States

CATEGORY
University

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman

Text description provided by architect.

After successfully serving upper level and graduate courses for 45 years, the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) is amidst a dramatic transformation.

In 2014, UCHL became a full four-year institution, admitting its first freshman class and spurring rapid enrollment growth.

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman
University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman

The Recreation & Wellness Center was envisioned as a key part of this transition to a four-year institution and became a recruitment tool—providing not only an essential student life amenity, but also acting as a point-of-pride campus landmark boosting the University’s brand.

The Recreation & Wellness Center elegantly marries student life with in-demand wellness-focused academic programming as the new home to the University’s Department of Exercise & Health Sciences.

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman
University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman

The bespoke design of the biomechanics, motor control and development, and exercise physiology labs support advanced exercise and wellness research initiatives.

Academic functions are further supported with new classrooms, a departmental suite, and collaborative learning areas including charging bars and open and closed study rooms.

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman
University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman

The facility’s split program is distinctly separated by a voluminous pass-through lobby joining the recreation and academic wings.

More than just an entry point, the space is a campus lounge and student mixing and gathering area, seamlessly connecting the access-controlled recreation areas with 24/7 academic and research spaces.

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman
University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman

The fusion of these two program elements provides a unique opportunity for joint use; imagine an exercise science class learning to perform fitness evaluations in the lab – then deftly moving to the recreation center to practice those skills with the equipment there.

Conversely, a student rehabilitating an injury could make use of the advanced equipment and faculty resources of the academic side.

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman
University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman

Envisioned as a “Beacon of Wellness,” the building’s form is composed of glassy, light-filled spaces acting as a billboard for the active functions and research taking place inside.

The school’s colors are boldly incorporated into the architecture, fostering a culture of school spirit and enhancing the University’s brand.

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman
University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman

One-part student recreation center and one-part exercise science education and research center, the building elegantly merges student life, instructional and research environments.

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman
University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
© Bill Timmerman


University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
Site Plan
University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
Facade Diagram


University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
Diagram 01
University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
Diagram 02
University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
Diagram 03


University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
1st Floor Plan
University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center
2nd Floor Plan

SmithGroup
T +1 313 9833600
SmithGroup
500 Griswold St # 1700, Detroit, MI 48226, United States