Rebecca M. Sykes Wellness Center earns LEED Gold

The U.S. Green Building Council has awarded a Gold LEED Certification to Phillips Academy’s Rebecca M. Sykes Wellness Center. The building, which opened Wednesday, Dec. 2, offers PA students a holistic approach to care that includes medical and psychological services, as well as education and wellness programming.

The architectural firm Shepley Bulfinch of Boston designed the two-level, 17,000 sq. ft. wellness center to reflect Andover's commitment to global sustainability. The building is heated and cooled by an extensive underground geothermal system and is topped with a 3000 sq. ft. roof covered in sprouting vegetation.

Extensive use of glass exteriors diffuses natural light throughout the internal environment. The building includes a glass "chimney" that beams additional natural light and illuminates like a lantern at night. Throughout the center’s construction the project design team relied on regional and recycled materials, and rapidly renewable products whenever possible. Students will soon be able to track the building's environmental footprint using an "energy dashboard," allowing them a unique way to learn about energy consumption and efficiency.

The upper floor is devoted to traditional medical services, including routine and urgent care. Counseling services, educational programming, and complementary and alternative treatments will be offered on the garden level.

Construction of the building, which is located off Salem Street in Andover, began last September. It is Phillips Academy's first new building constructed since the Gelb Science Center opened in 2004. This is the school's second LEED certified building. In 2009 the school's sustainable renovation of its dining commons earned a Silver LEED certification.