Construction Zone: Natatorium project
Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM
The $7.2 million Greater Atlanta Christian School Freeman Aquatic Center, Norcross, Ga., is part of the school's 74-acre campus master plan. The 26,637-square-foot brick building houses a 25-meter by 25-yard competition swimming pool featuring 16 poured-in-place starting blocks and a 13-foot-deep competition diving area at one end. It also has a wet classroom, locker rooms, and a concession area and lobby entrance area.
Because of the small site, the pool was constructed with a “neat dig.” It was excavated to the exact contour of the pool shell, unlike the usual method of over-excavation, form-and-pour walls, and back fill. The non-skid pool deck tile was installed onto a depressed slab with thickset mortar to slope the deck to a trench drain that runs around the perimeter of the pool.
The pool's mechanical system regulates the water temperature between 78°F and 82°F and keeps the air temperature one degree warmer to help dehumidify the pool area and keep condensation to a minimum. The white fabric exposed ductwork above the pool also discourages condensation.
The architect is Collins Cooper Carusi Architects (Atlanta). R.J. Griffin & Company (Atlanta) is the general contractor.
