Sometimes we like to look back at the unique ways architects and contractors have used our products. The Gila River Indian Community District 3 Multipurpose facility in Sacaton, Ariz., comes from Merge Architectural Group in Phoenix. The design architect for the project was Carlos A. Murrieta, AIA, NCARB, LEED BD+C, NOMA, co-founder/principal of Merge Architectural Group. His team worked with the architect of record Travis Irvine, NCARB, LEED AP, from ID Studio, Phoenix.
This quote by Merge Architectural Group depicts the design goal and the power of curves:
“The facility, designed as nine concentric circles tied to the Tree of Life, flows around the concept of having community members participate directly and interact with each other, encouraging storytelling, communication, and interaction through activities and learning, a place to learn about mind and body wellness, addressing the cultural values of the Gila River Indian community.”
While Flex-Ability Concepts products were not used to make all nine concentric circles, the concept of community and circles is nonetheless inspiring. The drywall and framing installer Design Drywall West Inc., Tempe, Ariz., used some Flex-Ability Concepts products near the center of the building, where several spaces utilized tightly curved walls and soffits. The team was challenged with the thought of creating tight curves with materials and products that are used for straight building sections. Flex-Ability Concepts’ products are curved by hand, making curves feasible with labor and material cost savings. Flex-C Trac has Hammer-Lock tabs that are hammered into place to embed them into the web and secure the shape of the products. For added strength, self-tapping screws can be embedded into the side of Flex-C Trac.
The crew installed Flex-C Trac in the following quantities and sizes: 29 pieces of 18-gauge 6-inch, 125 pieces of 16-gauge 6-inch and 27 pieces of 20-gauge 6-inch. L & W Supply, El Paso, Texas, was the distributor.
“The D3 multipurpose center is the last service center to be constructed within the Gila River Indian Community and is expected to increase the standard of living for its tribal members, allowing for enhanced services and accommodations for all age groups, especially tribal elders,” says Benny Dixson, senior project manager for the Gila River Indian Community. “The goal of the new building is to increase participation in services regarding programs for health and education improvement, along with typical service center community responsibilities.”
The building features administration services, community hall functions, a gymnasium, main kitchen to serve the community for social functions, separate elder’s kitchen and dining room to serve the community elders, and additional spaces for the elders. The building also has an outdoor pool with a separate restroom/locker building. The architect notes the building was needed to bring the community into a modern age. It provides activities for kids and teenagers while also honoring the much-respected elders.
Opening a few years ago, the impact of this community center was felt immediately and has not stopped. We also are not going to stop singing the praises of the Gila River Indian Community District 3 Multipurpose facility while drawing even more inspiration from it today.
Want to get started on creating your own curves? Explore our website at www.flexabilityconcepts.com for ideas. You also can reach out to us at 405-996-5343 or mjuengel@flexabilityconcepts.com
Comments