This competition and training venue serves two large high schools and the local community in Iowa’s fastest-growing school district. The district sought a facility that would functionally accommodate both teams equally now and — more importantly — into the future.
Waukee High School, Waukee Northwest High School and the broader Waukee community can use uniquely designed spaces that meet their individual needs. The equal and immediate access to water, the materiality and the general quality of spaces provide a cohesive design response that unifies the various users, making them feel connected and involved in the project.
Comparable to some of the nation’s best collegiate aquatic venues, the 50-meter-stretch-by-25-yard fast-water competition pool will serve swimming and diving programs from both schools and can support two full eight-lane, 25-yard competitions simultaneously. Additionally, a four-lane, 25-yard warm-up pool provides training and learn-to-swim space.
The district desired a level of natural light not typically found in the competition environment. Careful and intentional control of glare and contrast met the demands required to ensure student-athlete safety and provided a quality competition space. The parti was driven by circulation and the critical need for separation between spectators and student-athletes. Intentional and experiential circulation moves athletes to the desired performance space while directing spectators seamlessly to viewing areas.
The exterior vernacular is heavily influenced by movement and flow. Graphic expressions of an active water surface hint at the facility’s dynamic nature. The cladding breaks from traditional orthogonal constraints to subtly reinforce the concept of motion.
Architect of Record
RDG Planning&Design
Des Moines, Iowa
Aquatic Design Consultant
Aquatic Design Group
Suppliers
Klekamp Family Training Center Xavier University
