Design/Completion 2006/2010
Ventura, California
2,900 s.f.
Building Structure: Concrete masonry and steel construction
Building Materials: Concrete masonry, steel framing, metal wall and roof panels
Design Awards: 2011 Learning by Design Outstanding Project Award
With a sweeping vista of the Pacific Ocean, the stadium at Ventura High School is perched above the campus in an idyllic setting. What started as a modernization to a non-descript 1960’s building quickly evolved into a replacement project when it was discovered that there were seismic trace faults crisscrossing the existing facility. Very little fault free land was available, but a tiny sliver occupied by an existing toilet building, placing the new structure in a prominent location for the campus. The client requested an image of energy and movement, to serve notice that this team is a force in competition.
At the heart of the design is the sustainable solution. A key part of that strategy is the re-use of the modular toilet building, lifted from its foundations, rotated 90 degrees and integrated into the west end of the new facility. Created to meet LEED for Schools and CHPS criteria, the design includes the re-use of a previously developed site, and utilization of native drought-resistant plant materials. Non-pervious surfaces have been reduced and storm water management is mitigated through bio filtration. Building materials with high recycled content include CMU and concrete, corrugated metal siding and studs, floor and wall tile, toilet partitions and structural elements. A cool roof and abundant natural light and ventilation combine to reduce energy loads. Skylights and clerestories illuminate the interior without electric lighting for most occupied daylight times. This source of natural ambient light is coupled with the installation of energy efficient lighting and HVAC units, and water saving fixtures. All glazing is dual paned low-e glass to further enhance building performance. The exterior shell is highly insulated, and the thermal mass of the CMU walls regulates interior temperatures.
The new 2,900 square foot Field House announces its presence from the campus while maintaining a low profile when viewed from the homes above the stadium. The jagged roof line echoes the mountains behind the stadium and anchors the building to its site, and view windows frame vistas to the sea beyond. The building houses home and visiting team locker rooms, showers and toilets, coaches offices, therapy space and general meeting space. While viewed primarily as a home for the competing athletic teams, the hillside location with its breathtaking ocean views is designed to provide campus meeting rooms, deck areas and gathering space to serve the entire community. The Field House celebrates the bonds between school and community, athletics and scholarship, and the memories that bring together generations of athletes.
