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A state-of-the-art, LEED Gold certified aquatic center has opened its doors to the appreciative residents of Salinas, California, featuring a spectacular retractable pool enclosure by OpenAire.
OpenAire designed and built the beautiful structure in collaboration with GLASS ARCHITECTS, the designers of the Aquatic Center. Together, the two firms have changed the way Salinas patrons swim and play.
The existing pool was in a fifty-year-old facility, and was in serious need of an update. It had significant accessibility issues, the locker rooms were run down, and attendance had dropped.
It was time for something new. After looking at a number of alternatives, the decision was made to build a brand new indoor aquatic center.
“The city was looking to construct a facility that was cost-effective and would provide a strong sense of public identity, ” says Dave Bolwerk, OpenAire Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “That’s when OpenAire came on board with a plan for a distinctive, highly functional retractable roof enclosure for the pool.”
The new Aquatic Center has a 73’ x 75’ lap and activity pool that is protected from the elements by the 100’ x 110’ OpenAire enclosure. Designed with OpenAire’s exclusive maintenance-free thermally broken aluminum framing system, the enclosure features an operable roof that can open up to 50% in good weather. Translucent polycarbonate panels transmit an abundance of natural light, and 15’ high vertical walls made of glass let in even more sunshine – and provide great views of the beautifully landscaped grounds.
A key requirement of the project was that the new building had to qualify for LEED certification. OpenAire’s retractable roof contributed in a number of ways:
When the roof and sidewall doors are open, fresh air flows easily through the building, eliminating the need for air conditioning and dehumidification. The HVAC systems are designed to turn off automatically when the roof is open, which results in tremendous energy savings.
The glazed structure floods the pool area with natural sunlight and eliminates the need for artificial lighting in the pool enclosure during daylight hours. Lobby and office areas facing the pool have windows to capture natural light as well, saving additional electricity. In fact, OpenAire’s work received an additional LEED point due to the high percentage of spaces with daylighting.
The glass enclosure also satisfied LEED requirements for spaces with views; swimmers have direct views of the surrounding area while they’re using the pool and lounging on the pool deck.
The beautiful new Salinas Aquatic Center is a big hit with residents. The modern, appealing facility is fun, offering more programs and increased accessibility. Satisfaction is high, and attendance has never been better.
About OpenAire
OpenAire has been designing and manufacturing beautiful, high-quality, environmentally conscious retractable roof enclosures and skylights for over 20 years. Their commercial projects include the Americana Indoor Water Park in Niagara Falls, Canada, Big Splash Island in French Lick, Indiana, the Palms Casino & Resort in Las Vegas and the world’s largest indoor waterpark with a retractable aluminum dome in Ukraine. By combining your unique vision with OpenAire’s expertise, incredible venues are a reality.
About Glass Architects
GLASS ARCHITECTS has offices in Santa Rosa and Grass Valley, California and has been in continuous practice in Santa Rosa for over forty years. The firm specializes in a broad range of project types with an emphasis on public projects including medical, education, religious, high-tech and office buildings, police and fire stations, courthouses, wineries, and custom residential.
