Wood Elements Add Depth to University's Rec Center Corridor

Wood flooring specified for the walls, ceiling and faces of the five entry portals along the long axis of California State University, Northridge's Student Recreation Center gymnasium has a dual purpose. Its use extends the gym's aesthetic into the outer concourse, giving a subtle assist to people looking for the building's basketball courts, and allowed designers LPA Inc. of Irvine, Calif., to simplify the materials palette. Mitered edges and squared-off corners bring a smooth, interlocking look to the engineered, prefinished hardwood flooring along all faces, while underfoot, a ScrapesGrate® walk-off grille helps keep dirt from being tracked onto the sports surface. Each of the five portals (three are 10 feet wide; the one shown here is one of the half-width portals at the gym's corners) is lit via two flush-mounted fixtures, and each faces the front of the building, allowing passersby ample views through concourse windows and into the activity space.