Rio Hondo College Physical Education Complex Renovation and Addition

Whittier, CA
Construction Cost: 16.7 million
Area / Square Feet: 48,816
Occupancy Date: September 2013

The Physical Education Complex (PEC) replaced outgrown, outdated and unsafe facilities. Located at the edge of a future campus loop road, the new PEC stands as an athletic gateway to campus and serves as a node of student activity and as a passive recruiting tool.

The exterior envelope responds to different interior conditions and elevated views, arriving at two visually and functionally distinct architectural solutions: a secluded box clad in campus-contextual porcelain tile and a semi-transparent glass and metal “jewel.” Systems such as insulated metal panels were specifically selected because of their ability to multitask as architectural cladding, waterproofing and insulation.

The interiors follow a “do more with less” approach. Larger, more-flexible spaces allow for growth and change, and circulation is pushed outside to minimize use of materials. Locker rooms and support spaces are naturally ventilated, eliminating the need for an active mechanical cooling system in this part of the building. Skylights in the locker room eliminate the need for artificial light sources throughout the day. Fritted insulated glazing was selected for partitions for its acoustic properties, high durability and ability to transmit daylighting. On the north and south elevations, a recessed ribbon window with fritted glazing was devised to minimize direct sunlight, diffuse daylight and maximize visual connections to campus and elevated vistas.