New Canaan YMCA

the story

In keeping with its strategic plan, the New Canaan Community YMCA initiated a capital development program that resulted in the renovation and expansion of its current facility. The project features a new Aquatics Center that houses a brand-new warm family recreation pool, a new 8-lane lap pool and a renovated competition pool. This transformative project seeks to invigorate the building with transparency, flooded with natural light supporting the community feeling so apparent in the membership. The facility also provides a renovated full gymnasium, new family activity center, newly renovated lockers, renovated wellness, and a new cafe commons area.

at-a-glance

TYPE:

Addition and Renovation

SERVICES:

Architecture

Interior Design

Landscape Architecture

Programming & Planning

LOCATION:

New Canaan, CT

STATUS:

Completed 2017

SIZE:

19,000 SF Addition; 58,000 SF Renovation

Like many other YMCAs, the New Canaan facility was a conglomerate of many additions, creating confusion and underutilization. The clients goal was to provide space for a range of activities geared towards different age levels while attracting new membership in a competitive environmen

Extensive interior renovations were made to the existing building that eliminated maze-like pathways and improve circulation and wayfinding throughout all floors. SLAM used large amounts of interior glass through the modern addition and existing space to create transparency and allow for natural light to enter the building on all sides, while putting a wide range of fitness activities on display.

We’re thrilled with our new facility. The team at SLAM did an excellent job of understanding and executing our vision for a more accommodating, inclusive, and supportive community resource.

Craig Panzano

Executive Director, New Canaan YMCA

<p>Family Pool Area includes a recreation pool for low bearing resistance exercises and an 8-lane warm water lap pool with views to and from the exterior, Cafe, Family Activity Center, and Intergenerational Room.</p>

Family Pool Area includes a recreation pool for low bearing resistance exercises and an 8-lane warm water lap pool with views to and from the exterior, Cafe, Family Activity Center, and Intergenerational Room.

Cyber Counter connects to Cafe with views of Family Pool throughout.

Cafe allows for social and private activities.

<p>The locker rooms have a light palette of wood and elegant tiles to create the pampered spa feel, while maintaining high functionality and resistance to wear and tear.</p>

The locker rooms have a light palette of wood and elegant tiles to create the pampered spa feel, while maintaining high functionality and resistance to wear and tear.

Colorful tiles direct visitors from locker rooms to showers to Family Pool.

Colorful tiles continue on walls of Family Pool

The new expanded gymnasium with dividing walls enables the space to act as a full court or two separate gyms.

A common gathering area allows viewers to overlook the new gymnasium.

IIDA New England Design Award Winner
Best of Connecticut

An HVAC system with a separate chloramine exhaust provides venting at the pool deck surface that pulls chloramine vapor off the surface. In addition to high efficiency HVAC systems, LED lighting and triple glazing at exterior pool glass were used.

The facility can now accommodate 9,500 members, or 40% of New Canaan’s residents

New Canaan YMCA

the story

at-a-glance

Project Contacts