Gregory Gymnasium Aquatic Complex Renovation and Expansion - University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
Year in Showcase: 2008
Project Description
Like No Place Else on Campus”
is the slogan that the University
of Texas at Austin’s Division of
Recreational Sports uses to describe
the Gregory Gymnasium Aquatic
Complex. Nestled into its urban
campus context and built with large
quantities of exposed limestone
and native natural materials, the
aquatic complex clearly announces
its allegiance to the university while
commanding its own place in the
Texas Hill Country.
To relate to Waller Creek to the
east, the complex features native
plantings and remains open to
existing hillside vegetation. Gregory
Gym’s strong architectural forms and
rigidly articulated detail serve as the
complex’s western perimeter. Against
the rich palette of natural limestone,
the outdoor pool deck was crafted in
multiple panels of colored and salt-finished concrete to create a stunning
and highly functional surface. The
Reception Garden, meanwhile, uses
crushed limestone aggregate as the
finished deck surface, creating a
wonderfully soft and comfortable
environment. Flanked by multitrunk
trees and a bamboo forest, the
garden is a place of special respite
for recreational users. A large pool
area with a six-inch water depth,
known as the Lounge Ledge, provides
a wonderful place for sunbathers
to relax on partially submerged
lounge chairs. The complex also
offers exterior WiFi and Ethernet
connectivity, as well as live music
platforms with dynamic sound
reinforcement capability.
The Gregory Gym Aquatic
Complex has filled a void on campus
by offering new opportunities
for recreation, socializing and
community building. Student
organizations and departments
have hosted socials, concerts, water
recreation tournaments, and “dive in”
movies and other pool parties in the
new facility.
Project Details
Architect of Record: RDG Planning & Design; Des Moines, Iowa; Omaha, Nebraska
Aquatic Design Engineer: Aquatic Design Group
Carlsbad, Calif.
Construction Cost: $15.3 million
Square Feet: 70,000
Occupancy: March 2006
Vendors
Access Ramps/Stairs:
Brock Enterprises
Chemical Control Systems: Siemens Water Technologies
Cleaners/Vacuums: Plastiflex
Filters: Siemens Water Technologies
Lighting:
Paragon Aquatics, Div. of Pentair
Lockers: Fiberesin Industries Inc.
Water Play Features:
Paragon Aquatics, Div. of Pentair
