Saint Leo University Wellness Center

The Wellness Center at Saint Leo University is a physical representation of the university’s mission, serving students and the greater community in mind, body and spirit. The facility is a place of support, engagement, personal development and celebration for the campus community and offers university services focused on health and wellbeing. The holistic wellness center provides recreation and fitness programs, a clinical health center, counseling services, and university ministry services.

The building occupies a rare Florida hillside with dramatic views of Lake Jovita. The massing exploits the surroundings to blend into the landscape as it steps down the hill, breaking into multiple volumes connected by a glass spine. The forms embrace two outdoor features: a campus-facing contemplative garden and an outdoor recreational pool terrace. The facility nestles against a line of historic camphor trees that form a natural edge, transforming the pool terrace into an outdoor room. Furthermore, framed views were carefully aligned with several iconic trees to pull nature into the building. Finally, the circulation spine cascades down the hill, creating a gathering space that unites the facility by connecting the various activity spaces and culminating with views of the infinity edge pool blending into the expansive lake beyond.

The design establishes a language representing a transition between the past and the future. The front mass presents a contextual interpretation of the traditional architectural style of the campus core. This expression is pierced by elements framed in glass and wood-grained panels that increase and become more open and contemporary as the building descends the hill toward views of the lake.

Architect : S3 Design Architecture Inc.

Aquatic Consultant : G.B Collins Engineer, P.A.

Total Construction Cost : $17.3M

Square Feet : 60,000

Credit: Athletic Business