DAYLIGHTING BY KALWALL CATCHES SOME WAVES

Art imitates life as the structure’s four curved trusses, supporting the roof, resemble the waves playing across the pool surface below. One straight truss ties them together into a sturdy frame. And following the rounded roofline are the most insulating, diffuse-light-transmitting, translucent panels in the world. “Swimmers at the Minisink Valley Central School District Natatorium race each other across water awash in natural daylighting by Kalwall,” says Scott Duell, project manager architect for The Thomas Group, A Tetra Tech Company. “It gives the space the feeling that the structure and roof float over the pool.”

The 25,000-square-foot, $4 million building radiates pride and excitement, both to its students and to the surrounding Slate Hill, New York, area. “Everyone loves the facility,” says Duell. “It is used all the time by the community and the students.” The natatorium features steel-frame construction; CMU masonry with a brick-veneer, cavity wall system; PVC roofing; and a system of translucent structural sandwich panels enclosing an eight-lane pool, spectator seating for 450 and associated support spaces. “4,500 square feet of Kalwall panels provide great light,” adds Duell, “It’s very inviting; a bright space that really draws people in.”

Bright, yes, but glare-free; amazing considering the potential for glare as both daylight and artificial light generally reflect off an undulating pool surface. Kalwall diffuse, translucent panels eliminate glare, harsh shadows and the accompanying eye strain. At the same time, controlled heat gain and superior energy performance is achieved. “We needed good light transmittance as well as good insulation,” Duell notes. “The non-glare light is ideal for pool design and the panels don’t fade over time. Those are the major reasons why we chose Kalwall.” In terms of structural strength, acrylic and polycarbonate glazing panels measuring 1-inch thick or less cannot compare to Kalwall’s structural integrity, life cycle or daylighting performance.

Even on cloudy days, an even balance of usable, natural light fills the interior; at the Minisink Valley Natatorium, a light transmission of 15% was specified. Highly insulating Kalwall can be used for both cladding and roofing and has been widely specified for many leisure, retail, public sector and industrial buildings. Kalwall is also used for light-diffusing roofing in various formats including barrel, low-profile vault, pyramid and self-supporting ridge.

Kalwall is maintenance-free. The panels are self-cleaning, as the sheeting action of normal rainfall cleans the surface. Kalwall is rugged, shatterproof, vandal-resistant, and extremely resistant to both condensation and the highly corrosive atmosphere of high humidity and airborne chlorine found in pool areas. This lowers expenses over time by reducing capital outlays for replacement, a key factor for any public school system with strict budgetary restraints. Another money-saver was the project’s final cost. “It was finished on time and under budget,” says Duell.

All involved are proud of the Minisink Valley Central School District Natatorium and thrilled to see it recognized by American School & University magazine as an “Outstanding Building.” “Kalwall is a great product,” says Duell. “We're very pleased with the result.”

Minisink Valley Central School District Natatorium

Architect: The Thomas Group, A Tetra Tech Company

Interior photo: courtesy of The Thomas Group, A Tetra Tech Company
Exterior photo: Tom Forbes/Eagle Point Images

Kalwall Panel Specifications:
4,500 square feet
Light Transmission: 15%
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient: 0.15
Panel U-Value: .23
NFRC System U-Value: .27
Panel Face Color: White
Panel Trim Color: Aluminum Clear

For more information, contact:
Bruce Keller
Kalwall Corporation, 603-627-3861 (U.S. 800-258-9777)