BEGINNING CONSTRUCTION

BEGINNING CONSTRUCTION:

After exploring a number of options and seriously considering two alternative proposals for the ‘Refine’ project, I have settled on a section through a sliver of the Health & Well-Being Center’s 4-lane swimming pool (Option B – Previous Blog-Post). At a scale of 1:20 it is 1200mm long, 300mm wide, and approximately 650mm tall.

The substructure section (pictured) will provide the mass to stabilize the superstructure which is in-situ exposed finish concrete with particular areas bush-hammered for an even, but roughened finish. The roof is a steel truss with a clerestory for day-lighting the space and for illuminating the building’s exterior at night with the glow of the lit swimming pool below. Integrated into the roof there is also a solar hot-water system to heat the pool. The envelope system for the external walls is integrated with the structure. Additionally it has laminated veneer lumber (LVL) details around the window bays, un-treated timber screens and sunshades, and black powder-coated aluminum commercial window systems. The windows are double-glazed and heat absorbing. These primary building materials have been selected because of their ability to handle the humid and chlorinated indoor air of the pool and the windy and salty air of the exterior waterfront area.