Uncommon Commons1

Monsignor Victor Bonnell, Pastor of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church is very pleased with his "Uncommon Commons" at the new Education Center addition to the Parish in Layton Utah. It is a multi-function cylindrical Rotunda building that easily identifies itself as the new main entry to the new Education Center. It separates and sets itself apart from the existing parish Church building and the New Classroom and office wing. The round shape is the softening element between the existing angular Parish Church with its sharp steeple, and the lower articulated classrooms wing. The new Education center is 6 feet 8 inches below the Church; the commons provides an accessible ramp connection between the two building elements and the site. The commons is located adjacent to a new, commercially equipped kitchen that serves the space through windows or with serving carts; so it can easily become a dining and reception room. The raised platform, theatrical lighting, sound system, high ceiling and accommodating and dramatic shape make the commons an excellent performance and recital room. Open architecture, generous daylighting from low windows, clerestory windows and a skylight give the aura of a classical arena. A good sound system reinforces voice and the split face CMU exposed structure give the space plenty of diffusion while keeping the space acoustically lively enough for music. Interior finishes are colored split face CMU, exposed white painted trussed steel ceiling structure; and carpet tile on the floors. The exterior is dry laid stone over 3 inches of rigid insulation; and the roof is a white reflective membrane; giving the space a well insulated and energy efficient enclosure.