Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/178323
PHOTOS: CHRIS BOLIN Calgary Winter Club Expansion by Stacey Carefoot ith a rich history spanning over 50 years, the Calgary Winter Club is evolving to meet the recreational and social needs of its members. The Club irst opened its doors in 1960 and was touted as a multifaceted complex with a focus on curling and bowling. The Club featured a dining room, swimming pool, ive-pin bowling alley, skating rink, badminton court, curling rink and outdoor tennis area. Over the past ive decades, it has evolved into 200,000 square feet of family-oriented recreation. Set to unveil its biggest expansion project to date, the Calgary Winter Club plans to accommodate the modern family with the addition of 86,000 square feet of new attractions, including a climbing wall and state-of-the-art hot yoga studio. Situated high upon scenic 14th Street, the Calgary Winter Club is known for being one of Calgary's premier private clubs. The expansion and renovation started more than eight years ago, and was driven by the changing needs of the 7,500 members (2,828 shareholders). Quinn Young Architects (now QYA Group2 Architecture Interior Design) was engaged to work with the Strategic Planning Committee to develop a building program and Master Plan. "We developed a Master Plan that addressed both current and future membership needs while paying close attention to its feasibility in terms of budgets and phasing," says Susan Taff, principal of QYA Group2. "A membership survey identi ied some key elements that needed consideration," says Kevin Boyles, Calgary Winter Club CEO. "The initial results of that survey indicated that members wanted to see the installation of an indoor running track, increased locker space, a multi-purpose gym, more parking and additional tennis space." The inal design evolved over many concepts as Quinn Young tried to balance membership needs, budget and buildability. After identifying its needs, the Winter Club gained the support of the membership to move forward with the inancial commitment of the expansion. The Calgary Winter Club selected Chandos Construction Ltd. as the contractor to build this expansion. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Winter Club project earned Canam's Project of the Quarter award for the use of steel joists in the early construction process. The Club features 353 tons of joists, bridging components and a steel deck, all of which were fabricated in Calgary. W Calgary Winter Club Expansion p.98-99Calgary Winter Club.indd 99 A majority of the second- loor expansion is built atop the existing curling rink. "We are proud of the design solution that was developed," says Taff. "QYA worked closely with BEI Engineering, the structural engineer, to coordinate the complex structure that allows the 30-foot climbing wall, gymnastics centre, multi-purpose gym and an expanded itness centre to be located above the existing curling rink on the second loor, which also carries the running track on the third loor." The second loor also contains a teen room, youth room and soundproof music studios for lessons and practicing. The size of the multi-purpose gym is equivalent to an elementary school's gym, and features a top-quality woodsprung loor. The teen and youth rooms serve as modern, functional, supervised socializing areas for young members. The expanded itness centre will see the addition of two new studios and a 30 per cent increase in loor space for additional stretching, cardio and weight training equipment. On the third loor, members can use the three-lane jogging/walking track that follows the perimeter of the expansion. This space optimizes the incredible views that the Winter Club has become known for. Most of the third- loor interior is open to the amenities below with the exception of two studios at the south end. The 408-square-foot studios provide space for Pilates and hot yoga classes. "The studio is a unique space since hot yoga is performed at 105 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 per cent relative humidity," explains Matt Rutherford of SNC-Lavalin. "This is accomplished though the installation of an indirect gas- ired ventilation unit and a humidi ier." Rutherford explains that prior to the start of a class a zero- to 90-minute sprung timer is activated, enabling the ventilation unit supply and return fans to start the burner to full ire and the humidi ier to 100 per cent. "The mixing dampers open to 10 per cent outside air, 10 per cent exhaust air and 90 per cent return air with the unit and humidi ier in full ire until the space reaches the set point," continues Rutherford. Once the set point is reached, the burner and the humidi ier modulate to maintain the environment for the duration of the session. At the conclusion of the session, the humidi ier is disabled and the ventilation units mixing section will modulate to up to 100 per cent outside air, weather permitting, to purge the space as quickly as possible. Rutherford agrees that the installation of the hot yoga studio's mechanical systems was a unique aspect. He admits that his irm did face some challenges during the design process due to the lack of existing mechanical drawings. "This created a lot of unknown elements and called for a lot of time on site," says Rutherford. Not only are the high-tech features of the expansion irst class, but the inishing components are meticulously chosen to complete the project. "We are expected to meet private club standards," says Kevin Boyles. "From the basketball nets and backboards to the wall coverings and looring, we've chosen classy, top-quality products." Looking towards the future, the Calgary Winter Club has a solid grasp on what it takes to meet the changing needs of its members and remain one of Calgary's premier private hot spots. ■ LOCATION 4611 14th Street NW Calgary, Alberta OWNER/DEVELOPER Calgary Winter Club PRIME CONSULTANT/ARCHITECT Quinn Young Architects Ltd. (now QYA Group2 Architecture Interior Design) GENERAL CONTRACTOR Chandos Construction Ltd. STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT BEI Engineering (2000) Inc. MECHANICAL CONSULTANT SNC-Lavalin ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT Stebnicki+Partners TOTAL AREA 86,000 square feet CONSTRUCTION COST $21 million AUGUST 2012 /99 7/13/12 10:47 AM