Transforming old function with new form:

The original gymnasium, constructed in 1980’s, was the latest Bellevue Club and Hotel facility scheduled for major renovation. Programming needs required additional space for existing and new activities. The Gymnasium’s many programs and functions were confined behind opaque walls, and The Club wanted to make these activities visible from internal concourses and the exterior.

The additional program space was created by the Gymnasium addition. The freed-up space added competitive basketball, volleyball, paddleball, and Badminton courts.

Placement of exterior and interior glass walls extends the environment beyond its functional borders. The exposed structural X-bracing replicates the athletic characteristics of the space. A soft arch in the exterior wall invites the eye to sweep across the site and beyond. High-performance glazing and solar screens reduce heat gain and glare onto the courts.

One of the major challenges for the Gym addition was locating the new structure over the existing concrete pile foundation within the addition footprint. High quality interior finishes and materials selected by the interior designer are consistency with Club facility standards.

The many athletic facilities, as seen from the site, are a series of attached buildings. To continue the modular panel expression of the adjacent Natatorium the Gymnasium exterior wall is clad with similar aluminum panels. These building masses, and supporting functions, offices, egress stair and mechanical rooms, create a mosaic of glass and aluminum forms. The concrete planters and landscaping create a pedestrian scale along the sidewalk of the main drive.

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