The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, envisioned a multi-use facility to meet the needs of a growing student population; however, due to site limitations, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center had nowhere to go—but up. The resulting four stories incorporates activity spaces on every level, including a ground-level natatorium; two multipurpose activity courts; a group cycling room and fitness mezzanine; racquetball courts; a climbing wall; a spacious lobby with juice bar, coffee bistro, and convenience store; indoor/outdoor dining; meeting rooms and offices; and a four-court gymnasium with a suspended jogging track, offering views of the famous Las Vegas Strip.
Counsilman-Hunsaker designed three bodies of water that seamlessly blend together, making the small footprint as functional as possible for a combo fitness/leisure pool. The end result is a diverse design that encompasses a variety of student interests: a 25-yard lap pool for fitness, and a recreation pool, featuring a vortex and whirlpool spa, for leisure. The natatorium provides the student body a wide variety of recreation and wellness opportunities, including:
- 3,400 sq. ft. 25-yard pool with six lap lanes
- 1,900 sq. ft. recreation pool
- 150 sq. ft. whirlpool spa
- Vortex
Design Awards:
- 2008 - ‘Innovative Architecture & Design’ Award Recreation Management magazine