Location
Fort Wainwright, Alaska
Scale
29,495 SF
Project Lead
At A Glance
- Indoor swimming complex with 8-lane lap pool
- Family leisure pool with play features and current channel
- High-performance HVAC and humidity control system
- Exposed timber trusses and clerestory lighting
- Part of larger wellness and morale infrastructure on base
The Fort Wainwright Aquatics Center is a year-round wellness and recreation facility for service members and their families. Located next to the base fitness center, it features a 25-yard lap pool, a splash pool for children, locker rooms, and spectator areas. The design visually and spatially links with adjacent facilities, blending rustic materials, modern detailing, and industrial character.
A rustic-style lobby transitions to a clean, modern pool hall, where reclaimed wood, durable tile, and layered textures give the space a warm, lodge-like identity. Strategic use of lighting, acoustics, and color enhances visibility and comfort.
Designed for Alaska’s climate and the moisture demands of a natatorium, the building includes thermal pool covers, high/low ventilation grilles, and air supplied directly at the water’s breathing zone. Triple-glazed low-E windows allow in natural light and offer swimmers views of the sky while resisting condensation. The result is a warm, efficient, and visually inviting interior that balances comfort, privacy, and performance.