- Firm: Arcadis
- Photo Credit: Fukushima Photography
- Products Used: CMU – Burnish MW White, 5-Score Precision MW White
- Awards: Concrete Masonry Council: Merit Award for Green Building & Sustainability
About the Project
The Greater Whittier Regional Aquatic Center (GWRAC) is a thoughtfully designed complex comprised of a Main Building, a Pool Equipment Building, and two pools, all enclosed within a carefully crafted CMU perimeter wall. The strategic use of CMU block throughout the project enhances both its aesthetic appeal and functional durability.
Project Origins
The project was originally procured for Los Angeles County as part of a design-build competition. Morillo Construction, Inc. and Arcadis (formerly IBI Group) share a long-standing design-build partnership, and this project aligned closely with Arcadis’ vision of contributing to the local Whittier community. Design and construction on the project was just slightly over two years.
How CMU Was Used
The Main Building, constructed of burnished white CMU, serves as the welcoming centerpiece of the facility. Its glazed lobby can be opened to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. The burnished CMU was stacked with raked horizontal joints and flush vertical joints, reinforcing the building’s horizontal emphasis and linear aesthetic, creating a refined and visually engaging presence.
The Pool Equipment Building, in contrast, was designed to have a distinct identity with a soft rounded corner to create a sense of softness at the street entry. Clad in 5-scoreprecision CMU block, this structure—along with the perimeter walls—establishes a deliberate contrast to the Main Building’s smooth, burnished finish. The 5-score block was used to emphasize the verticality of the structure and create a clear visual distinction between the Main Building, which serves as the focal point, and the more utilitarian elements of the site. A stack bond pattern further reinforces the vertical expression, giving the Pool Equipment Building a unique rhythm and texture. The perimeter CMU walls balance security and openness, doubling as retaining walls in some areas with elevated planters that provide privacy from the surrounding arterial street. Built from the same 5-score CMU block, they seamlessly integrate with the Pool Equipment Building while maintaining a cohesive material palette. Perforated metal panels, featuring a wavy pattern inspired by water ripples, cap these walls, enhancing the site’s aesthetic while providing controlled visibility and security.
CMU For Design And Function
The standout feature of the project is the innovative use of CMU block walls, which were transformed through the application of varying textures, stacking, and raking techniques. These design choices elevated the material beyond its functional purpose, creating a visually striking and refined aesthetic. Additionally, the team at Arcadis employed a sustainable cut-and-fill strategy by repurposing excavated dirt from the pool construction to shape the site’s topography by creating elevated planters. This approach not only minimized waste, but also created a visual and acoustic barrier from the adjacent street, utilizing CMU and metal fencing to enhance the site’s functionality and respect environmental sensitivity.
Why ORCO?
ORCO was the right choice for this project due to its ability to meet the contractor’s requirements for availability and competitive pricing while still aligning with the design’s intended goals. Their product offerings provided the necessary durability, aesthetic qualities, and functional performance we sought, ensuring the project’s vision was achieved without compromising on budget or timeline.
Legacy
The GWRAC represents a transformative project that reimagines an urban site within a concrete-dominated landscape. By integrating aquatic, landscape, and architectural elements, it introduces a vibrant and sustainable facility that serves both the broader community and the adjacent high school. The inclusion of a publicly accessible park with workout stations and a play structure further emphasizes its value as a neighborhood amenity, making it a dynamic urban oasis within the rigid urban grid.
