Portfolio
LOCATION: Morgan Hill, CA
CLIENT: City of Morgan Hill
ARCHITECT: ELS Architecture
New 5-acre, LEED-silver certified, aquatics complex consisting of a 50-meter competition pool, instructional pool, recreational pool and splash play area for tots. The complex also features group picnic areas, shade structures, and a 30-foot windscreen designed to protect against the prevailing north-south valley winds which minimizes evaporation and heat loss from the pools. Two new wood & CMU building structures house locker rooms, offices, event space, concessions and pool equipment.
Additional work included site prep and grading, underground utilities, site & pool deck hardscape, new parking lot, landscaping and off-site improvements.
The Morgan Hill Aquatics Center was the first aquatic facility in California to receive a LEED certification in sustainable design. Sustainable strategies included using new and recycled materials in untraditional ways. The pool building exterior siding is horizontal planking composed of recycled milk cartons mixed with rice hulls for a durable, low maintenance finish. The building energy efficiency measures include high efficiency lighting controls, occupant sensor controls in the offices and daylighting controls with photo sensors and continuously dimmable ballasts. The buildings have additional insulation and high efficiency glazing in addition to high efficiency systems for HVAC and hot water. Mechanical systems use greywater, captured rainwater, and underground heat recovery.
A construction waste management program diverted 95 percent of construction, demolition and land clearing debris from landfill disposal; and use of recycled materials, such as cotton batt insulation and fly-ash concrete; and low emitting adhesives and sealants, paints, carpets and engineered wood were used.
"Morgan Hill's New Aquatic Center Receives LEED Silver Certification"
Link to full article from the Daily Pacific Builder