P-714 Physical Fitness Center – MCAS New River

The P-714 Physical Fitness Center at the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina replaces an older fitness center and pool facility on the station, and will be used by active duty personnel, retirees and family members.  The 45,750 SF structure houses a full-sized basketball court, weight room equipped with mechanized and free weights, a mechanized cardio-fitness area, a dividable multi-purpose workout room, and a 50-meter, six lane pool with a floating bridge.  The facility also houses administrative offices for the station’s Community Services “SemperFit” group.

Interiors generally expose the structural steel framing with emphasis on height and expansive spaces. Careful attention was given to extending interior daylight throughout all major spaces. The natatorium, cardio/weight room, and gymnasium employ acoustical roof decking to help reduce the noise level in the facility. The cardio/weight room includes a soaring full-height curtainwall, allowing views of nearby wooded area from within while working out. Additional windows throughout, coupled with extensive use of translucent panel clerestory windows allow considerable natural light throughout the facility, giving a sense of bringing the outdoors in while significantly reducing reliance upon artificial lighting during the daytime. The extensive use of glass also allows dramatic views of the building’s interior from the outside at night, when the facility is still in use.

Other sustainable features include a high-efficiency VRF-based HVAC system, a roof-mounted photovoltaic system, extensive use of recycled materials, including rubber athletic flooring, and low-impact site development – all earning GBCI LEED® Gold Certification in early 2013.

Much of the interior construction consisted of glazed masonry, which was used to create accent stripes and patterns in the walls. This masonry offers extreme durability and will not require painting. Additionally, a suspended, curved perforated metal ceiling was designed for the Fitness Center’s reception area. A rock-climbing wall was incorporated into one of the high walls of the gymnasium. Finishes throughout the Natatorium are water-, humidity- and corrosion-resistant; the Natatorium also includes a Safety Office and small spectator seating area. Restroom/shower/locker areas include full-height tile walls and plastic lockers for ease of washdown and sanitation.