Swan River School Gymnasium
Additional Info
Award Winner : ATCO Sustainable Communities Inc. (ASCI)
Architectural Excellence : Swan River First Nation is an Indigenous community in Northern Alberta and was in need of a gymnasium that could be used for a variety of sporting and cultural events, including emergency shelter if needed. This facility utilizes a combination of modular units, pre- engineered steel and site built structures to create a harmonious appearance. The modular units act as a transitional link between the pre-engineered building for the gymnasium to the existing school, and consists of a unified entry, men’s and women’s change rooms, showers, washrooms, barrier free unisex washroom as well as mechanical and storage areas. The exterior of both the modular and pre-engineered sections were designed and finished to provide a cohesive composition of form, function and colour with the existing school.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : The offsite construction allowed for the site services and foundations to be completed during the manufacturing of the units for an accelerated construction process. Utilizing modular construction allowed the Nation to meet the needs of its community.
The project also created employment opportunities for the community by utilizing Wapsewsipi Enterprises, a local construction company, for pre-construction demolition, site preparation and foundations.
The community also continues to save money on transportation costs now that they no longer need to bus their students to a neighboring town for gym classes and other team sports.
Design Firm Name : ATCO Sustainable Communities
Engineering Firm Name : J+B Engineering Inc
Installer Firm Name : ATCO Sustainable Communities
Occupied Date : 10/15/2014
Owner Firm Name : Swan River First Nation
Production Start Date : 7/31/2013
Project Location City : Kinuso
Project Location State Name : Alberta
Technical Innovation : The modular components were fabricated off-site and transported to the community. Sandy soil conditions required increased piling to accommodate the facility. Additional site challenges included reduced road width for transportation and close proximity to existing buildings. This was overcome by craning the modular units into place prior to construction of the pre-engineered portion. The modular units were then properly flashed to provide a seamless connection to the existing school connector and gymnasium.
Swan River First Nation members were hired as much as possible to support the local economy. Local labourers and ATCO staff worked side by side to lay the foundation and erect the structure on site.
The roof system is an EPDM system and required an assured integrity where the modular units connect to the pre-engineered gymnasium due to differential lateral deflection of the two structures.
Total Square Feet : 7900