The design strategy was to focus the surrounding community into what the facility offers: energy, athletics and a family oriented facility. The butterfly roof of the main axis attempts to gather light, and in turn, the surrounding community. The mainly concrete tilt panel structure is broken by metal panel clad program elements that break down the long facade and mimic formal residential imagery.The project is a new 36,000 sq ft facility in a residential community named Fleming Island Plantation in Orange Park, Florida. The facility is located along Town Center Drive which is the developments' main boulevard.The site is bordered to the south, east and west by residential communities and a large lake to the north. The building is oriented to take advantage of the northern exposure and views to the lake while the pool and playground areas display the facility activities to the residents along Town Center Drive. A large canopy marks the building entry and directs occupants to the reception point. The entry canopy functions to draw light into the building core through clerestory windows.Profiles of architectural team members participating in athletic activities were abstracted, scaled up and used as relief on the tilt-panels to provide character on the gymnasium facade.Project Experience while employed at Gresham Smith + Partners.
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