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Martensville Athletic Pavilion by Christina Morrissey photos courtesy aodbt architecture + interior design M artensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP) in Saskatchewan, is a first: it's the largest construction proj- ect in the community's history at 50,000 square feet and the first of its kind to be constructed in North America. In fact, the dome-shaped $12.5-mil- lion state-of-the-art facility that features three full-sized hardwood courts, an ele- vated 200-metre curved running track, a fitness area, multi-purpose space, offices and a concession stand was even built in record time. Construction of the two- storey building started in September, 2013, and three-quarters of the inside was complete by February, 2014. "This was quite a feat," says John Paone, president of Alfred Horie Con- struction ( AHC), construction manager on the project. "In fact, designs were fast-tracked in May, 2013 and the team got to work while the tender was still out for the sub trades." The speed of construction was essential considering the harsh condi- tions that the team was up against; on one occasion temperatures plummeted to minus 52 with windchill. But this didn't pose a problem because aodbt architecture + interior design and AHC, along with owner/developer City of Martensville and the Prairie Spirit School Division had decided to con- struct MAP using a high-tech insulated fabric structure called Sprung, which is being used in areas that suffer the most extreme conditions on earth. The Sprung tensioned membrane structure is an engineered, relocatable, clear-span building solution that allows for rapid construction utilizing Dupont Tedlar architectural membrane pan- els placed under high tension, within a non-corroding aluminum substructure. The structure includes a nine-inch-thick layer of R30 Johns Manville fibreglass blanket insulation that keeps the warm air in and the cold weather outside. Before the assembly of the mem- branes could begin, Alfred Horie had to excavate the soil to create a ring beam foundation. Insulation was then extended beyond the ring beam to pro- tect the structure. For t he t e a m a t A s s o c i a t e d Engineering – the structural, mechani- cal and electrical consultants on the project – this was their first experience with the Sprung system and its light- weight aluminum substructure. "The light superstructure meant that we could avoid the use of piles with an engi- neered replacement of the clay soils," explains Mark Porter, division manager facilities/buildings. "This also mitigated against a relatively high water table. The ability to have the superstructure erected fairly quickly meant that we could continue construction through- out the winter months, which would not have been possible with a more tra- ditional delivery." For the interior, aodbt architecture opted for cross-laminated timbers ( CLTs) for the walls and mezzanine f loor. "AHC brought the idea of using CLTs to the project as they have used this material on previous projects in B.C.," explains Dallas Huard, architect at aodbt. After working with AHC to inves- tigate the product, they felt assured it would be the best approach. "In the end it was the right decision as the wood finish provides warmth and durabil- ity to the spaces. Having a completed building shell ensured the timber walls and floor were protected throughout construction," says Huard. The CLT panels were combined with glulam timbers to provide the building's structure. "The use of CLT expedited construction as it virtually eliminated the need for more labour-intensive building methods such concrete block," explains Huard. The innovative products were pre- fabricated off-site making for a speedy installation period. Porter adds, "This meant that all of the major [above small cored holes] mechanical and electrical routes and sizes had to be figured out and positioned early so that the CLT panels could be ordered in time. We solved this by working collaboratively and through 3D modelling. It was a learning curve, but it did pay off." The main f loor of MAP is 36,000 square feet and the mezzanine level i s 14,000 squa r e feet . Conc r et e slab-on-g rade f loor ing wa s la id throughout, with timber for the run- ning track. Under the basketball courts, Associated Engineering used a fibre- reinforced concrete "to achieve an essentially f lat surface with minimal cracks under the basketball courts," explains Porter. "We also used the floor to take out the thrust forces of the large arches of the Sprung structure." With a building height of 15.45 metres and a number of translucent panels on the roof, natural light streams into the building. "The Sprung system provides opportunities for natural light panels without any penetrations through the membrane," explains Huard. Being a large clear span structure, ventilation of MAP required careful con- sideration. "The large internal volume resulted in a relatively high require- ment for external air to meet require- ments, however, we did this in a very simple way," says Porter. "We utilized the inherent air tight and high insula- tive value of the Sprung structure to our benefit. The result is a simple internal configuration for the main space where we essentially only have three lines of supply and return air." As with any project there were challenges, and for MAP its site loca- tion meant having to work alongside another construction site. MAP is attached to the 100,000-square-foot Martensville High School, which is also under construction. When it comes to energy efficiency, Paone says that MAP could quite possi- bly be one of the greenest buildings in Canada. Huard agrees, adding, "Energy efficiency is always at the top of our list during design. This was one of the pri- mary reasons the insulated fabric struc- ture was chosen; it offers the owners an extremely air-tight building envelope in addition to having consistent insula- tion values around the entire building." He explains that this differs from many other pre-engineered structures on the market that may require additional inte- rior framing to achieve the same R-val- ues as the insulated membrane system: "While the insulated structure may not be the right solution for all projects, in this setting it was the right solution." While this was the first time some of the team had worked with Sprung, the 3D modelling and close collaboration resulted in a relatively smooth process. "From our perspective the project went very smoothly and the high school being constructed next door did not pose any significant challenges. The partner- ship between the Prairie Spirit School Division and the City of Martensville allowed both facilities to enhance pro- gramming, while not increasing project costs. Projects like this are a testament to what can be accomplished when part- nerships are formed with a common goal of offering the best to the commu- nities they serve," adds Huard. n Location 200 8th Ave N, Martensville, Saskatchewan owner/DeveLoper City of Martensville architect aodbt architecture + interior design GeneraL contractor Alfred Horie Construction (AHC) StructuraL/MechanicaL/ eLectricaL conSuLtant Associated Engineering Structure SuppLier Sprung totaL area 50,000 square feet totaL coSt $12.5 million december 2014 /73 martensville Athletic Pavilion 11:16 AM