Luz Architectural Photography LLC
Thinking globally and locally
Northern Arizona University Aquatics and Tennis Complex Flagstaff, Ariz.
Architect: Sink Combs Dethlefs; CSHQA
Aquatic Designer: Counsilman-Hunsaker
Landscape Architect: Norris Design
General Contractor: HAYDON Building Corp.
Pool/Spa/Waterfeature Contractor: Shasta Pools
Civil Engineer: Peak Engineering
Mech./Plumbing Engineer: The Ballard Group
Electrical Engineer: LSW Engineers
Structural Engineer: Martin, White & Griffis Structural Engineers
Envelope Consultant: PIE Consulting & Engineering
LEED Consultant: Design Balance
Energy Modeling: Ambient Energy
At 7,000 feet above sea level, this facility bears the distinction of housing the highest-elevation competitive 50-meter pool in North America. As such, it draws swimmers from all over for high-altitude training. University sessions also take place there.
Designers answered with this lap pool, which measures 50 meters by 25 yards. Ten 50-meter lanes can accommodate international visitors who rent them for training. The pool also can hold 21 cross lanes to maximize swim training for NAU athletes.
Two movable bulkheads measure 1- and 2 meters wide, with the larger one meant to accommodate starting blocks. The depth configuration, ranging from 4- to 9 feet, leaves enough flexibility for community programming and university-held phys ed classes.
For divers, a three-centerline tower features two 1-meter springboards, two 3-meter springboards, and platforms wide enough for synchronized diving and standing at 5-, 7½- and 10-meter heights. The diving pool depth graduates from 14- to 16¾ feet. On the opposite side of the pool, anchors allow for the future addition of 1-meter boards if more capacity is needed.
The design team placed video cameras at deck, seating and 10-meter levels to record training and meets. Recordings can be viewed immediately behind the dive tower in several locations.
Divers can warm up in the 8-by-14-foot spa, which accommodates general use as well.
A dedicated dryland training area features a 1-meter springboard, sunken trampoline and dive rigging — all located in a separate room to eliminate distraction. The building is certified LEED Gold.
SUPPLIER INFORMATION
Bulkheads: Stark Bulkheads
Circulation systems/gutters: Lawson Products; Pentair
Controller: BECS Technology; Pulsar Chlorinator; Taylor Wharton
Filtration/UV: Neptune-Benson
Guard chairs/safety equipment/starting blocks: Paragon Aquatics
Lighting: SPI
Lockers: Bradley
Pool cleaner: Maytronics
Pumps: Pentair
Racing lines: Competitor
Scoreboards/timing systems: Daktronics
Seating/bleachers: Interkal; DGJD
Springboards: Duraflex