Aquatic Center at Mylan Park, United States
Background
The $48 million Aquatic Center at Mylan Park (ACMP) in Morgantown, WV, stands as a premier natatorium, serving as a model for indoor pool facilities nationwide. The 90,000-square-foot complex features a dual-purpose design with an Olympic-sized competition pool and a community pool under one roof, making it the most advanced indoor pool facility in West Virginia. ACMP, the home pool for the West Virginia University swimming and diving team, was designed to meet the highest standards of indoor air quality (IAQ), energy efficiency, and spectator comfort.
The project team, led by Paradigm Architecture and general contractor March-Westin Co., partnered with design/build mechanical contractor A. Durer Inc. (ADI) and FabricAir experts to engineer the HVAC system. FabricAir’s fabric ducting was selected as a key solution to address the unique challenges posed by the natatorium’s size and complexity.
Problem
The natatorium presented several challenges common in indoor aquatic environments:
- Corrosion Risk: Metal ducting is prone to corrosion in high-humidity, chloramine-laden environments, leading to long-term maintenance issues.
- Condensation Issues: Poor airflow distribution and non-permeable duct materials often result in condensation build-up, which can damage equipment and structures.
- Installation Challenges: The large diameter of the originally specified spiral metal ducting posed logistical challenges, including difficulty fitting the duct through truss openings and the risk of obstructing sightlines for spectators.
- Cost and Timeline: Metal ducting required anti-corrosion coatings, field-applied paint, and extended installation timelines, adding to the overall cost and delaying project completion.
The project team needed a solution that would address these issues while maintaining the design’s aesthetics, functionality, and budget.
Solution
A custom-engineered FabricAir fabric ducting system was selected to replace the originally specified PVC-coated spiral metal duct. The FabricAir system provided a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced in the project:
- Cost Savings: The fabric ducting reduced material costs by $55,000 and required 60% less labor to install compared to metal ducting. This shaved 6-8 weeks off the installation timeline, accelerating the project.
- Condensation Control: The engineered permeability of the fabric allows for even airflow dispersion, preventing condensation on the duct surface.
- Custom Design: FabricAir engineers collaborated with ADI to create a layout that fit seamlessly through truss openings, maintaining clear sightlines for spectators. The system features a 96-inch-diameter trunk line with smaller branches, creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional design.
- Corrosion Resistance: The fabric material eliminates the need for anti-corrosion coatings or field-applied paint, further reducing costs and ensuring long-term durability.
- Ease of Installation: The fabric ducting’s lightweight design improved workplace safety and reduced the need for heavy equipment, streamlining installation.
Results
The FabricAir ducting system exceeded expectations in performance, efficiency, and design:
- Improved IAQ: The even airflow distribution, coupled with the return air system and source-capture strategy, prevents the accumulation of chloramines at the water’s surface, ensuring superior IAQ. This was proven during the 2020 Big 12 Conference Championship, which hosted hundreds of swimmers and over 1,500 spectators without IAQ-related issues.
- Cost and Time Efficiency: The solution significantly reduced project costs and accelerated the timeline, enabling other trades to complete their work ahead of schedule.
- Enhanced Spectator Experience: By designing the ducting to fit between trusses, the system maintained clean sightlines, creating a more open and comfortable environment for spectators.
- Durability and Safety: The corrosion-resistant and lightweight fabric material ensures long-term reliability while improving installation safety for contractors.
Conclusion
The Aquatic Center at Mylan Park demonstrates how FabricAir’s innovative fabric ducting solutions address the unique challenges of indoor pool environments. By providing superior airflow, enhanced durability, and significant cost and time savings, FabricAir contributed to the natatorium’s status as a state-of-the-art facility.
For HVAC engineers and facility managers seeking sustainable and efficient air distribution solutions, FabricAir sets the standard for innovation and performance.
Additional Information
