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
