I was one of five architects invited to participate in a Design/Build proposal competition for the new Garden Hills Pool Bath House.  I invited Hogan Construction to be my team partner, as I had worked with them to build the Chastain Amphitheater renovation.  Familiarity with City of Atlanta guidelines and requirements were deemed an important factor in their selection, as well as high standards of craftsmanship and integrity. 

 

The design concept was to create a unified character of architecture between the new building and the existing community recreational building.  Exposed open timber framing, with granite rubble stone plinth and base walls were common architectonic characteristics of the two buildings.  However, in lieu of the rough-cut log siding of the recreational building, horizontal bamboo siding and vertical board and batten siding were proposed.

 

The first level includes the restroom and changing rooms, a family restroom, concessions and admissions control.  The second level, which is handicap accessible by an elevator, includes the pool manager office, swim team office, a staff break area with lockers, a trophy display case, as well as a large covered open deck space for pool patrons and families to enjoy. 

 

A thirty-foot granite bench faced the pool deck within the covered arcaded walk, which afforded additional shaded seating for patrons, as well as a place to wait out occasional summer rain showers. 

 

Lighting of the new pool house was to follow nationally recognized dark sky criteria, creating a more intimate ambience, yet still designed to meet pool safety requirements for evening use.

 

Nelson Brackin Architect project.