Ave Maria University – Oratory

Ave Maria, Florida

The Ave Maria University – Oratory project included Bituminous Dampproofing, elevator pit waterproofing, pedestrian waterproof deck coatings, Green Roof Waterproof System on the roof, concrete panel joint sealants, intumescent coatings, planter waterproofing, and interior and exterior paint.

The Oratory at Ave Maria University is the focus of a new town and university development on 4,000 acres of former agricultural land in southern Florida. Home to 6,000 students, Ave Maria University desired an oratory that would be the spiritual, conceptual heart and physical center of the community. At first view, the profile of the 120-foot-tall structure evokes images of a cathedral, but a closer look reveals a contemporary building of glass, steel, and stone. The facility is located at the focus of major roadways and pedestrian paths.

Design / Construction Challenges

The unique design presented a series of challenges for the project team. The building’s substantial height and open interior volume created structural concerns, and the curved nature of the building required complex connections that would remain exposed. Computer simulations helped the construction team avoid structural deficiencies. Further, the project was successfully completed in a region of southwestern Florida known as “hurricane alley” and “the lightning capital of the world.”