Clemson University Women’s Sports Complex Expansion

Set along the wooded shoreline of Lake Hartwell, Clemson University’s Women’s Sports Program Expansion Project represents a major investment in the future of women’s athletics while redefining the edge of campus through architecture, wellness and community connection.

Designed by Garvin Design Group in collaboration with HNTB, the four-building complex was created to support the growth of Clemson’s women’s athletic programs through facilities focused not only on performance, but also on the holistic development of student-athletes.

The project includes a new gymnastics training facility, lacrosse operations center, 1,000-seat lacrosse stadium, and Athlete Recovery Center (ARC), all carefully integrated with Clemson’s existing rowing facility. Together, the buildings establish a cohesive campus for women’s sports while embracing the site’s natural surroundings and existing walking trails.

The design team used the elevated topography created by the Hartwell Dam and Lake project to shape the campus experience, preserving existing walking paths while creating strong visual connections between the interiors and the surrounding landscape. The result is an environment that promotes physical, mental, and emotional wellness while establishing a refreshed architectural identity for women’s athletics at Clemson.

The project’s accelerated timeline and demanding performance requirements created a need for materials that could support both design intent and long-term durability. Design documentation for all three buildings and the stadium was completed in just nine months, requiring efficient coordination across multiple facilities and stakeholders.

Throughout the complex, Formica® Laminate played a central role in delivering a cohesive aesthetic across high-traffic athletic environments. Used extensively on surfaces and millwork throughout the Athlete Recovery Center, Gymnastics facility, and Lacrosse operations building, the laminates helped create interiors that feel bright, energetic, and contemporary while standing up to the daily demands of collegiate athletics.

Patterns including 5883 Pecan Woodline introduced warmth and natural texture throughout the spaces, balancing the modern architectural palette with an inviting, hospitality-inspired feel. Accent applications featuring 2962 Clementine added moments of energy and school spirit, while neutral selections such as 961 Fog, 949 White, and 912 Storm supported the project’s clean, modern aesthetic.

In addition to their visual impact, Formica® Laminate surfaces provided the durability and cleanability required for high-touch, high-use environments. The versatility of the laminate selections also allowed the design team to maintain consistency across multiple buildings and applications while supporting the project’s ambitious schedule and budget goals.

Formica® Compact products including 9319 Stainless, 5883 Pecan Woodline, and 5882 Citadel Warp further extended the material palette in areas requiring enhanced durability and sleek, contemporary detailing.

“Formica’s wide range of finishes helped us fulfill the big visions and complex needs of this ambitious project,” said the design team.

By combining advanced athletic facilities with thoughtful material selection and strong connections to the natural landscape, Clemson University’s Women’s Sports Program Expansion establishes a new home for women’s athletics that is both high-performing and deeply connected to the student-athlete experience.

Full List of Formica® Brand Products Used:

• Formica® Laminate Pecan Woodline #5883-58

• Formica® Laminate Clementine Gloss #2962-90

• Formica® Laminate Clementine Plex #2962-PX

• Formica® Laminate Fog Gloss #961-90

• Formica® Laminate White Gloss #949-90

• Formica® Laminate Storm #912-58

• Formica® Compact, Stainless Brush #9319-BH

• Formica® Compact, Pecan Woodline #5883-58

• Formica® Compact, Citadel Warp #5882-53

 

Credits:

Architect/Designer: Garvin Design Group and HNTB

Photographer: Kickstand Studio