The Ask
With significant population growth in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, stakeholders wanted to add a much-needed, world-class aquatic center to the area in order to host competitive events. Lombard Conrad Architects submitted two choices to ICA and GABF for consideration — a conventional steel option and the Sprung structure.
In the face of potential delivery and cost delays due to supply chain challenges, ICA and GABF members felt they needed to look beyond conventional construction and were intrigued by the expedited timelines, cost savings and unique characteristics of the Sprung option. A visit to Sprung’s pool structure at Kearns Oquirrh Park in Salt Lake City, Utah, helped them finalize their decision to go with a Sprung. They were especially taken by the structure’s bright interior, tall peak height, translucent daylight panels and attractive seasonal opening doors, all of which combine to create a truly high-performance facility.
How Sprung Delivered
The Idaho Central Aquatic Center (ICAC) officially opened in June 2023 and is considered one of the largest competitive indoor pool facility in the western United States. Featuring daylight panels, a custom glazing wall and an attractive mosaic pattern on its membrane, the ICAC encompasses two state-of-the-art Myrtha Pools (one at 50 meters long, one at 25 meters long) and seating to accommodate 1,000+ spectators. Sprung was involved in the design of the structure and worked closely with the client and other architectural professionals to ensure the facility would align with the stakeholders’ overarching mission “to enrich quality of life through water sports, fitness and leisure aquatic activities in a safe, fun, and family environment.”
The Specs
- 120’ wide x 315’ long
- Encapsulated insulation
- Daylight panels
- Custom glazing wall
- Mosaic pattern membrane
- Myrtha Pools
- 1000+ seating
