The Details
Architect:
Daley + Jalboot Architects, LLP
Aquatic Designer:
Integrated Aquatics Engineering Inc.
General Contractor
W.S. Cumby Inc.
Pool/Spa Contractor:
Main Line Commerical Pools
Landscaping:
Shearon Environmental Design
Playground Consultant:
Playcare Inc.
Civil Engineer:
Durkin Associates
LEED Consultant:
Re:Vision Architecture
MEP Engineer:
Vinokur-Pace Engineering
Suppliers
Gutters:
ADG/Whitten Custom
Filtration:
Nemato Corp.
Guard chairs/safety equipment:
Recreonics
HVAC system/heaters:
Weil-McClain
Lockers:
Tara Corp.
Pool cleaner:
Dolphin/Maytronics US
Pumps:
Pentair Aquatic Systems
Racing lines:
Recreonics, Paragon Aquatics
Seating:
By The Yard Co.
Starting platforms/starting blocks:
Paragon Aquatics
Pool lift:
Aquatic Access
Lane markers:
Adolph Kiefer & Associates
Automatic water level controller:
BECS Technology
The Overbrook School for the Blind – Kappen Aquatic Center serves visually impaired students ranging in age from 3 to 21. Surfaces were chosen to help users identify changes in location or site condition. Nonslip deck tiles help define areas, while contrasting colors and textures indicate edges that are not to be crossed. Confetti-colored wall tiles artistically reference the prismatic makeup of light while functioning as a visual tool to help partially sighted clients with depth perception. The students generally have highly sensitive hearing, so certain features were chosen for their sound-attenuating abilities, such as a special acoustic roof deck at the ceiling, sound-absorbing treatments toward the top of the walls and ductwork made of fabric.
Many students also have other disabilities, so access was an issue. The competition pool, which serves a swim team, includes a ramp, chair lift, steps and ladders. One entrance is at 4 feet, gradually moving to 3 feet in the center of the pool.
Officials sought an energy-efficient facility to replace a 102-year-old structure. With their energy-saving strategies, designers accumulated 53 LEED credits, making the Kappen Center the first natatorium to receive LEED platinum status.
