Grand Canyon University Student Recreation Center
Posted
06/29/2011
Grand Canyon University Student Recreation Center,
Phoenix
Metal Sales Manufacturing
Corp. provided a total of 47,500 square feet of bold, sleek metal
paneling for both the interior and exterior of the new Grand Canyon
University Student Recreation Center.
The 55,000-square-foot Student Recreation Center houses a
state-of-the-art fitness area, dance studio, and three
professional-quality practice courts. Open to all GCU students,
faculty and staff, it serves as the primary facility for the
school's basketball and wrestling teams. Inside the facility, the
Metal Sales panels contrast traditional brick to offer a modern
edge, while outside they act as a canvas for reflecting the radiant
Arizona sun.
Metal Sales' supplied 6,500 square feet of its 7/8-inch
Corrugated panels that surround the practice courts; 27,000 square
feet of its modern performance 7/8-inch Corrugated panels that lead
to the outside, lining the partially covered exterior walkways and
staircase; and 14,000 square feet of its 20-gauge TLC-1 rollformed
panels, which shield the structure's exterior
"For this project, a key consideration was durability," says
John Kane, Design Principle at Architekton, architect of the
project. "Recreation facilities take a lot of abuse, and we needed
a product that could last a long period of time without repairing
or repainting. Having specified Metal Sales products before, we
knew they were up to the task. In addition, the panels offer a
refined profile, resulting in the ideal blend of functionality and
polished aesthetics."
The architectural panels
were chosen for their durability and their ability to convey a
sense of athletic spirit. Metal Sales' TLC-1 panels in Old Zinc
Grey frame figures of the school mascot, which are proudly
displayed in the form of aluminum antelope silhouettes on the east
and west-facing sides of the facility. Small horizontal strips in
GCU purple accent the panels themselves to further exhibit team
branding. Together, the panels and antelope silhouettes help to
create a landmark building of school pride for the campus.
Distinguished buildings, like the GCU Student Recreation Center,
often encounter unique construction demands because of their
ambitious designs. To deal with unexpected measurement challenges,
the project's steel building contractor, Arizona Corporate
Builders, had to work closely with Metal Sales to acquire more
custom-made panels after initial orders had already been
placed.
Completed in November 2010, the Student Recreation Center
currently offers more than 30 fitness classes a week, and the
university teams are proud to practice in beautiful,
professional-grade facilities.
Architect: Architekton, Tempe, Ariz.
Building contractor: Arizona Corporate Builders, Tempe
Metal wall panels: Metal Sales Manufacturing Corp., Louisville,
Ky., www.metalsales.us.com, Circle #76