Mount Angel Abbey Annunciation
Saint Benedict, OR
Much care was given to develop a design that reflects the Benedictine values of hospitality, stewardship, craftsmanship and beauty. Sustainable design strategies included making use of existing site conditions and local building materials to support passive heating/cooling and maximization of natural daylighting and ventilation. Approximately 91% of the brick used is locally extracted, made within 500 miles, with 13% by weight, recycled crushed brick, post consumer. Brick was used on the exterior to provide a durable, attractive skin that reflects the character of the adjacent buildings on the hilltop. A blend of four colors was used to create the soft, warm color and vertical control joints were strategically placed around the building to reinforce the rhythm of the openings. Horizontal banding using comb-textured units was an important element to tie the building’s facades together and create a sense of scale. The precast arches create the entrance to the building and are continued axially through the lobby to the south façade. Smaller arches along the 200-ft cloister corridor create rhythm for alternating the classroom entrance doors and benches.