![AISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects - Image 1 of 16](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5331/0b82/c07a/8056/8000/006f/newsletter/AISJ_Aquatic_Centre-20.jpg?1395723119)
-
Architects: Flansburgh Architects
- Area: 15000 ft²
- Year: 2012
-
Photographs:Stephen O'Raw
-
Manufacturers: Acor
-
Architect of Record: GLH & Associates
![AISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects - Image 1 of 16](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5331/0b82/c07a/8056/8000/006f/newsletter/AISJ_Aquatic_Centre-20.jpg?1395723119)
Design Challenges:
The challenge was to create an economic covering for a state of the art pool. Johannesburg sits on a plateau known as the “highveld,” 5,000 feet above sea level, with earth rich in iron ore, causing frequent lightning strikes. Although the climate is temperate, night-time temperatures can drop significantly.The new pool was required to be both covered and heated.
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5331/0d42/c07a/80f4/c600/007a/newsletter/Schematic.jpg?1395723562)
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5331/0d24/c07a/80d6/4200/0075/newsletter/Floor_plan_1.jpg?1395723537)
Site Description:
A 58 acre campus located on the northern edge of the greater Johannesburg area, formerly a horse farm, which is reflected in both the architecture of the original buildings and the rural nature of the campus.
![AISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects - Image 7 of 16](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5331/0b9d/c07a/8056/8000/0070/newsletter/AISJ_Aquatic_Centre-28.jpg?1395723140)
Design Solutions:
Tubular steel framing system minimizes the depth of the steel and incorporates lateral bracing seamlessly into the span. The criss-cross pattern recalls the geometric patterns of native African beadwork and basket weaving.In this way, elegance is brought to something basic.
![AISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects - Beam, Steel](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5331/0bbc/c07a/80f4/c600/0074/newsletter/American_School_2nd_Contact_Sheet-11.jpg?1395723175)
Operable louvers modulate daylight and provide protection from the rain. Staggered, corrugated acrylic skylights of a standard panel width create a dramatic, cost-effective solution.
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5331/0d51/c07a/80d6/4200/0077/newsletter/Section_Diagrams.jpg?1395723573)
Fabric panels at each end of the structure modulate the air flow, preventing a wind tunnel effect. The combination of fabric panels, acrylic skylights, and louvers minimize glare, creating a gentle dappled light.The simple palette of white and light gray combined with local stone at the entry simulates an outdoor environment.
![AISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects - Facade, Windows, Column](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5331/0bea/c07a/80f4/c600/0075/newsletter/American_School_2nd_Contact_Sheet-37.jpg?1395723222)