Daylighting at 50 Below
Eielson Air Force Base is, in a word, extreme. Deep in Alaska's interior, it is extremely remote. With temperatures reaching -50 degrees F, it gets extremely cold. And the 354th Fighter Wing, based there, has since its founding in 1942 been extremely important to every major, U.S. military conflict save Korea. Flying F-16 and A-10 aircraft, the 354th maintains, trains, and conducts close air support and interdiction efforts in three different theaters of operation.
As with any military force, keeping the 354th in shape both physically and mentally is critical. With the weather jamming up to 4,000 personnel into the outmoded Baker Field House from September through March, the Air Force opted to build a 60,000-square-foot addition. The improved fitness center at Eielson Air Force Base now offers amenities such as an outsized exercise field of artificial turf, offices, restrooms, and a 1/8-mile-long elevated running track.
"Being fit is part of our job," explains Master Sergeant Susan Trejo, who directs the center. "Because of our long winters, we spend most training time indoors." Before the remodel, 200 to 300 people would squeeze onto a basketball court each morning, trying to work out." The new roominess also allowed Trejo and staff to install gear that measures fitness and expands physical training tests. A kitchen and classroom in the health and wellness area instructs airmen in healthy cooking. There are courses in how to quit smoking; for a modest fee, even a massage is available.
Super-insulating Kalwall+ Nanogel® was included in the center's design by Alaskan firm USKH Inc. to address a scarcity of something besides warmth this far north in wintertime: daylight. In addition to saving energy, the translucent system bathes the track, indoor sports area, and weight-lifting rooms with controlled natural daylight. The use of artificial lighting is reduced, conserving electricity. Kalwall's shadowless, glare-free light makes ball handling easier in team events. "A lot of factors contribute to stress in our lives here at Eielson," says Trejo, such as "the limited daylight, the temperature... and... the responsibilities that come with our job. Exercise helps relieve stress and makes us better able to deal with challenges. Although it is important to be in good physical shape, it is imperative that we are mentally healthy as well."
And when it comes to keeping the sub-zero temperatures outside, the 354th Fighter Wing is nothing short of amazed. Even on the coldest days, the interior surface of the Kalwall+ Nanogel is warm to the touch. The panels' ability to transmit natural daylight, even on the gloomiest days, while offering a U-value of 0.05 Btu/hr/ft²/°F, or 0.3 W/m²K), approximating that of a solid wall, means the fitness center meets LEED® Silver requirements. And at a military installation, Kalwall's DoD safety and anti-terrorism rating is always a plus.
Eielson AFB Fitness Center
Alaska
Architect: USKH Inc.
Photos: Ken Graham Photography
For more information, contact:
Bruce Keller
Kalwall Corporation 603-627-3861 (800-258-9777 N. America)
|
