Dedham Health & Athletic Complex

 
Location:Dedham, MA
 
Building Series:TITAN®
 
Building Size: 52' w x 119' l (15.8m x 36.2m)
including a 2nd level 50' w x 60' l (15.2m x 18.2m)
and 120' w x 251' l (36.5m x 76.5m)
 
Application:Fitness Facility

The Need

In 2001, the Dedham Health & Athletic Complex was in need of an indoor aquatics facility to accommodate their members and year-round lessons. "We decided we wanted to get in the family business, but we did not want to lose our core business, which was our adults", Lloyd Gainsborough, Director of Business for Dedham Health & Athletic Complex. At the time, the existing tennis building was a six-court inflatable dome. Dedham decided to convert one of those six courts into a swimming pool and to go with a structure that had more strength, better installation, used less energy and was more efficient. After analyzing alternate companies, Summit Structures was chosen with the task of installing a facility. The facility needed to accommodate the indoor pool as well as a children's play zone above the pool area. In 2004, Dedham made the decision to expand the structure over their other 5 courts, to reduce the high energy costs and difficulty with snow loads of the inflatable dome structure and create a great atmosphere for all kinds of activity and clientele.

The Solution

Summit Structures was chosen because of their unique design for the aquatics and playhouse structure and elevated expertise in the industry. A 52' w x 119' l (15.8m x 36.2m) TITAN® structure was constructed to cover the aquatics facility, including a 50' w x 60' l (15.2m x 18.2m) built in structure above the pool area, which made for a difficult installation but provided Dedham with exactly what they were looking for. In 2004, Dedham replaced their tennis court bubble with a Summit™ Structures 120' w x 251' l (36.5m x 77.1m) facility. The new facility allows the members to train year round and attaches to the existing Summit™ Structures aquatics facility. As Lloyd Gainsborough conveys, "One of the benefits to this building is the natural light. Over all it's a much nicer place to play tennis. What I can tell you is that when we went to this type of structure our gas usage went down 35%. Also, it has allowed us to use an infrared system and we find the system to be really phenomenal. So our savings are probably 35 to 40% on natural gas and additionally I would guess about 15-18% on electricity."

The Project

Summit Structures proposed a design that was rather unique but was not as simple as expected, as having to incorporate the play area over the pool was an extraordinary task. The first facility went smoothly and any complications or concerns were taken care of to ensure customer satisfaction; "they followed through with any concerns or problems that we've had during this period of time, and they've come to make sure these are taken care of." The second phase in 2004 was to position the tennis court facility at a right angle to the existing aquatics structure. The installation of this facility moved quickly and Summit Structures met the timelines as outlined in the contract. The facility is both lined and equipped with radiant heaters for year-round use and the sides of the structure were developed to be removable in the summer months to allow the sunshine and breeze inside. As well, the facility was further enhanced by putting up a glass wall between the two structures so the pool area looks into the tennis structure. "We are completely happy with the efficiency of the structure, the way it looks and its convertibility," Lloyd Gainsborough delights.

Customer Comments

"We have been doing business with Summit for 7 years, we have found that they're a great company to do business with. Everyone that we have had the opportunity to work with has been fantastic and we are very satisfied. Our overall opinion of the facility is great. The environment, installation, appearance and the company that stands behind it have all been great. We've enjoyed our relationship with Summit Structures," Lloyd Gainsborough, Director of Business for Dedham Health & Athletic Complex.

We Believe In Our Buildings

Summit™ Structures' buildings are the proven solution for a multitude of sports and recreation facilities with a full product line available in widths up to 300 feet and constructed to any length. Summit's high-performance fabric membranes are virtually maintenance free, while the corrosion-protected steel frame will last 270% longer than standard galvanized steel. Summit™ Structures buildings can be installed in a mere weeks with design, construction and project management services available. Summit™ Structures' buildings, backed by a comprehensive warranty, are produced at an ISO 9001:2000 certified facility. The 150,000 square foot facility is an industry benchmark using the most innovative systems and machinery.

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