PROJECT TEAM:
Scott Sickeler, AIA: Principal In Charge
Scott Morris AIA: Project Manager
Tim Keepers: Senior Designer + Imagery
Max Neiswander: Architecture
Located north of Dallas, this project integrates an outdoor surf venue into a larger, mixed use commercial development. The client was looking for a unique design solution that combined the latest surfing technology into a destination that also functioned as a performance venue, surf shop, bar and restaurant. One story buildings with roof decks that house the retail, restaurant, bar and other project components were strategically placed around the site to maintain the external connections while creating an internally focused environment.
The backdrop to the surf pool is a large video screen. It was important that the design balanced the focus on the wave pool and screen with interesting views in all the other directions as well. Pulling the individual program elements apart into smaller components gives each one an intimacy during times of the week when occupancy is lower, but the large operable glass walls and the interconnected roof terraces allow the complex to function for large events.
Stylistically the materials evoke tropical beach architecture, while the buildings formally respond to the demands of the site and program. Screens and shade structures, made of dark wood panels and louvers, clad the exterior which are accented by white stucco walls. Palm trees and tropical hanging plants provide a lush and interesting space at the human scale. The large bifold hanger style doors become a seamless part of the architectural cladding when closed and when open integrate the exterior and interior spaces. Around the pool deck are various types of seating including glass and wood drink rails and undulating artificial turf areas for lounging and seating. The site is approximately 23,000sf in size.