The newest addition to the quaint Quiet Corner campus of Pomfret School will be a state-of-the-art events center which will incorporate both new technologies and an energy-efficient design to create a new gathering place for parents , students and visitors .

“ We want to highlight the beauty of our location , as well as create an inviting space , ” said Brad Hastings , Pomfret School headmaster . “ The center is open to the beauty of its surroundings with its extensive windows and terrace . ”

An architectural rendering showed that the new 3 , 000-square-foot building will have large windows on all sides , so as to provide as much natural lighting as possible , and will be built in a post and beam design , which uses less wood than traditional framing . The indoor wood flooring will be built from 100-year-old discarded timbers , and a wrap-around outdoor terrace will feature a large fireplace . The building will feature geothermal heating and cooling .

“ The design sets a new standard for Pomfret in energy-efficiency and use of space , ” said Kevin Tubridy , president of New England Design , Inc . “ The post and beam construction creates an open space similar to that of a theater . To reduce energy consumption , the design includes geothermal heating and cooling , using a 130 , 000-gallon sealed reservoir , ” he said .

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new building was held on Wednesday , June 25 , and included Hastings , Tubridy , Pomfret School Directors of Facilities Mike Ballard and Tony Malagrino , Pomfret School Director of Alumni-Development Geoff Liggett , center architect Karl Norton and Pomfret School Trustee Ged Parsons .

“ Pomfret is proud that it pursued an environmentally-friendly design that is both energy-smart and welcoming , ” said Hastings .

The center will also include new technologies to allow for interactive tele-conferencing and video and electronic display kiosks . The building will be ADA-accessible and include full catering facilities . Hastings predicts that 80 people or more could use the indoor space at one time .

“ Some of the new technology will be used for teaching and learning , but a lot will provide a venue for the school to showcase our region to prospective parents and students , ” Hastings said .

Construction of the building will continue through the summer and is expected to be completed by late fall .