A 16,500 ft² addition to the existing facility was constructed to include a gymnasium, complete with changing rooms and washrooms. The new space accommodates up to 660 people. The gymnasium’s walls feature load-bearing, insulated precast wall panels standing at 35’,with the exterior and interior walls reaching a height of 20 feet. Lafarge Precast collaborated with Fillmore Construction to supply and install these insulated, load-bearing wall panels.
One of the key advantages of using load-bearing precast panels is the ability to achieve greater clear spans, allowing for unobstructed, open spaces within the gymnasium. This design flexibility is essential for maximizing the usability of the area, making it adaptable for various sports, performances, and community events.
The use of load-bearing precast panels enabled greater clear spans, optimizing the gymnasium’s space. Precast concrete offers numerous benefits, including:
- Speed of Construction: Precast panels are manufactured off-site under controlled conditions, allowing construction to proceed concurrently with site preparation. This significantly reduces overall project timelines by minimizing on-site assembly time and mitigating weather-related delays.
- Quality Control: Every panel produced by Lafarge adheres to the stringent standards of CPCQA, CSA, and the National Building Codes of Alberta and Canada, ensuring superior quality.
- Durability and Sustainability: Precast panels are ideal for gymnasiums, providing the long-term durability needed in high-use environments. Unlike other materials, precast concrete is resistant to rot, mold, and insect damage, ensuring longevity.
By incorporating precast concrete into the design, the project not only benefits from accelerated timelines and enhanced durability but also reflects a forward-thinking approach to sustainable construction practices. Lafarge Precast’s expertise and collaboration with Fillmore Construction exemplify the potential of precast solutions in creating long-lasting, versatile, and efficient community spaces.