Aquatics International Bestows Dream Designs Title to Boise State University Aquatic Center
A multipurpose natatorium for the Boise State Broncos celebrates the environs by making the most of the beautiful light and scenery, and respecting the planet through energy-efficient engineering.
Boise State University Aquatic Center | Boise, Idaho
Christian Columbres
Keeping in mind that Boise enjoys sun more than 200 days per yea…
Keeping in mind that Boise enjoys sun more than 200 days per year, the design team created the nearly 18,000-square-foot facility to take advantage of as much natural light as possible and connect with the environs. Large, operable windows on three sides provide a direct visual connection to the outdoors. A continuous skylight creates shadow patterns, and clerestory windows bring in reflected daylight, which balances the space. In warm weather, a large sliding door can open and create a connection to the outdoor terraces. The windows and skylight also provide ventilation when weather allows, thereby adding to energy efficiency. To that end, the team also had solar panels installed on the roof to aid with the pool heating and HVAC system. Blue mosaic tiles on the vertical surfaces echo waterfeatures, while the white of the ceilings, structure and high walls put the focus where it belongs — on the blue water.
Chad Case
The facility includes a six-lane competition/lap pool measuring …
The facility includes a six-lane competition/lap pool measuring 25 yards by 45 feet, with a deck-level gutter system and a current jet system for swimming or kayak training. The facility also is configured to accommodate an aquatic climbing wall in the deep end. The 1,800-square-foot recreational pool features bench seating, volleyball and basketball play area, and is attached to a 120-square-foot, 12-person freeform spa. An in-deck lane-line storage compartment optimizes usable deck space. One of the high white walls is designed to function as a giant movie screen for “dive-in movie” programming.
Keeping in mind that Boise enjoys sun more than 200 days per year, the design team created the nearly 18,000-square-foot facility to take advantage of as much natural light as possible and connect with the environs. Large, operable windows on three sides provide a direct visual connection to the outdoors. A continuous skylight creates shadow patterns, and clerestory windows bring in reflected daylight, which balances the space. In warm weather, a large sliding door can open and create a connection to the outdoor terraces. The windows and skylight also provide ventilation when weather allows, thereby adding to energy efficiency. To that end, the team also had solar panels installed on the roof to aid with the pool heating and HVAC system. Blue mosaic tiles on the vertical surfaces echo waterfeatures, while the white of the ceilings, structure and high walls put the focus where it belongs — on the blue water.
The facility includes a six-lane competition/lap pool measuring 25 yards by 45 feet, with a deck-level gutter system and a current jet system for swimming or kayak training. The facility also is configured to accommodate an aquatic climbing wall in the deep end. The 1,800-square-foot recreational pool features bench seating, volleyball and basketball play area, and is attached to a 120-square-foot, 12-person freeform spa. An in-deck lane-line storage compartment optimizes usable deck space. One of the high white walls is designed to function as a giant movie screen for “dive-in movie” programming.
Rebecca Robledo is deputy editor of Pool & Spa News and Aquatics International. She is an award-winning trade journalist with more than 25 years experience reporting on and editing content for the pool, spa and aquatics industries. She specializes in technical, complex or detail-oriented subject matter with an emphasis in design and construction, as well as legal and regulatory issues. For this coverage and editing, she has received numerous awards, including four Jesse H. Neal Awards, considered by many to be the “Pulitzer Prize of Trade Journalism.”
