BRECK NATATORIUM

As a fundraising exercise, the Breck Natatorium was designed to serve the swimming program at a private school in Minneapolis. The building houses a 25 yard high school competition pool, diving well and a warm water learning pool. Adhering to Breck Schools commitment to community service, the learning pool is made available for community childrens’ learn to swim programs. Spectator seating, offices, locker rooms, parent run concessions, and restrooms are located south of the pool. Locker rooms, restrooms and concessions are shared with the football program. The school is tucked into a low lying site at the intersection of two major arteries. The site, near several playing fields, would require no new parking or site acquisition.

The Natatorium is conceived of a large glassy volume composed of a layered assembly of glass planes the reflect and refract sunlight to avoid bands of sunlight on the water distracting swimmers. Support function positioned on the south and east cradle the glass volume in a dark masonry. The glass overhangs a lobby space and entry walk way offering parents and student a sheltered place to interact before and after meets and practices. Because of it location on the site the Natatorium’s volume of light will create a community landmark.