At Mount St Mary’s Seminary, the construction of a new residence, Fenwick Hall, greatly disturbed the courtyard next to it. This presented an opportunity to reimagine the use of that space. The decision was made to create something in likeness to an Italian-style piazza, creating an outdoor amenity space that easily lent itself to hosting outdoor classes, socializing, and relaxing.

This multipurpose courtyard required a paving product that could stand the test of time. For the designers, aesthetics, product strength, and stain resistance were all important factors when choosing the paving material. Unilock Umbriano® pavers were specified on this project because of their strength, wear-resistance and integral surface protection from stains; achieved with our EnduraColor™ and EasyClean™ finish technologies, perfect for this high-traffic pedestrian space. Umbriano’s granite-like appearance also creates a sense of unity between the courtyard and the adjacent building, bringing in a similar natural color palette while modernizing the space. Style and technologies combined, these pavers offered the designers all of the benefits they were after and resulted in a stunning European-style piazza design.

Overall, this outdoor common area, with its fountain and a new statue of the Blessed Mother, provides a space and atmosphere equally conducive to hosting events and studying, offering a great addition to the campus.