Wissahickon High School, Natatorium Addition
Ambler, Pennsylvania
Design Team: Brent E. Stringfellow, AIA; Robin W. Breslin, AIA
This natatorium and central plant addition provides state-of-the-art swimming facilities and an upgraded mechanical system to replace outdated and overtaxed facilities at Wissahickon High School.
The pool will be used for school district swimming and diving competitions, water polo matches and recreational activities. With its stretch-25 layout, it can accommodate both swimming and diving competitions simultaneously and is served by a seating mezzanine for 350-plus spectators.
The design adds an athletic entrance and lobby that supports both the pool and the existing Round Gym, an iconic symbol of the school’s athletic program. The dynamic, angled lobby roofs simulate the motion of a swimmer’s strokes. New brick and regional Wissahickon Schist stone exteriors meld with the existing building, and the large-scale translucent panels bring light and life into the natatorium. A mesh fence with painted graphics of athletes leads to the new entrance and also screens the school’s maintenance buildings.
The new central plant, on the lower level of the addition, provides more efficient sources of heating and cooling for the entire high school. These upgrades constitute Phase 1 of the master plan to replace the entire existing high school with the exception of the Round Gym.
Additional Information
Associated Firm
Barry Isett & Associates, Inc. (Structural), Lehigh Valley Engineering (MEP), Counsilman-Hunsaker (Pool Consultant), T&M Associates (Civil)
Cost per Sq Ft
$436.00
Featured in
2019 Architectural Portfolio
Interior category
Physical Education Facilities/Recreation Centers
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