Kalzip Inc. supplied 34,500 square feet (3,205 m2) of smooth curved standard stucco embossed aluminum panels and 21,500 square feet (1,997 m2) of structural decking panels for the intriguingly designed facility. The main Kalzip roof over the pool hall measures 100 feet
(30m) from eaves to ridge and comprises convex curved and concave curved panels that were site-welded together to create the continuous wave curve. The roof is supported on a framework of structural steel and a series of glulam beams with a matching liner to help create a welcoming environment for the swimmers.
The elongated tubular Kalzip encases a state-of-the-art gymnasium located on the first floor over the leisure center’s main entrance,reception and café bar. The tightly curved Kalzip panels of varying radii are affixed to Kalzip structural decking panels. Three large areas of vertical glazing are integrated into the north face of the tubular roof to ensure that the gymnasium area enjoys plenty of natural daylight.
Sitting between and effectively joining the Kalzip roofs is a steeply pitched continuous northlight glazing system that shares a central valley gutter with the gymnasium’s tubular Kalzip roof and introduces daylight into the pool area.
The architect linked the two main sections of the leisure center together by using smooth curved perforated Kalzip panels in the pool hall immediately below the northlight glazing system, creating the illusionary effect that the tightly curved external Kalzip roof over the gymnasium has been continued inside the pool hall.
The center has been operational since May 2009, and features a 50-meter pool, training pool and gymnasium, that was officially opened by the Princess Royal on October 22. The center was funded by Portsmouth City Council and Sport England.
Operator: Parkwood Community Leisure, Hamsphire, England
Builder: Kier Southern, Hampshire
Roofing contractor: Gable Ltd., Hampshire
Architect: Saunders Architects LLP, Hampshire, England
Metal roof panels: Kalzip Inc., Michigan City, Ind., www.kalzip.com
