Humid or wet environments require the right kind of building materials, especially finishes, which are often the front line of exposure to moisture. Materials that are absorbent, prone to moisture damage or can support the growth of mold or other microbes are usually inappropriate for damp spaces. When Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia, renovated its athletic center, it was reluctant to use mineral fiber ceiling tiles over the swimming pool. Instead, the ceiling installer suggested a lightweight thermoformed tile, resulting in a stunning coffered ceiling that eliminates all concerns about getting wet.
The Randolph Athletics and Dance center was built in 1962 and received small updates in 1993 and 2000. In 2019, Randolph embarked on a major, $5 million renovation, renaming it the Michels Athletic Center. Many aspects of the old RAD were updated and enhanced, including the addition of a new fitness center, locker rooms and training rooms, and an upgrade to the gym’s HVAC system. The final phase of the project was revamping the indoor swimming pool, the Bradley W. Bateman Aquatic Center, which was upgraded and reconfigured from five lanes to six, making it eligible to host Division III competitions.