Waukee CSD
Natatorium
This competition and training venue serves two large high schools and the local community in the state's fastest-growing school district.
Waukee High School and Waukee Northwest High School, with 1,268 and 1,325 students, respectively, have utilized the Waukee YMCA for their extremely successful swimming programs. The district sought a facility that would functionally accommodate both teams equally now and, more importantly, into the future.
Comparable to some of the nation's best collegiate aquatic venues, this 50-meter stretch and 25-yard fast water competition pool will serve swim and dive programs from both schools and can support two full 25-yard, 8-lane competitions simultaneously. Additionally, a 25-yard, 4-lane warm-up pool provides training and learn-to-swim space.
The design was driven by circulation and the critical need for spectators and student-athlete separation. 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, and the cladding breaks from traditional orthogonal constraints to subtly reinforce the concept of motion. Lastly, varying fin angles with specific alignment reveal spectator flow and ascension.
Waukee Community School District desired a 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.
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 space provide a cohesive design response that unifies the various users, making them feel connected and involved in the project.