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After School Judo Academy in Olathe, Kan., looked at several pre-existing buildings to house its after school program and summer day camp, but nothing fit the bill in terms of space and amenities needed. After approaching Strickland Construction Co., Olathe,the decision was made to begin construction on a new building. Memphis, Tenn.-based Liberty Building Systems supplied the metal framing and roof panels.
“We needed a stand-alone building with as much space as possible for a good price,” said Rob Hinchsliff, owner and instructor. “Choosing a metal building wasthe most economical solution for us and gave us the ability to design things the way we wanted.”
To facilitate much of the judo and self-defense instruction, a 1,000-square-foot (93-m2) spring-loaded mat was installed in the center of the building. In addition to space for conducting judo exercises, the3,665-square-foot (340-m2) metal building includes a room for children to complete homework and receive tutoring, a craft room, a multimedia room, boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, and office/kitchen space.
Liberty’s 26-gauge unpainted Galvalume LibertyRib metal roof panels were used, while three translucent panels shaped in the same fashion as Liberty’s corrugated roof product were incorporated into the design to allow natural daylight into the facility. The building has a roof pitch of 1/2:12 and clearspan framing provides the primary structural support.
“Our kids are on the mat at least one hour a day in the after-school program and up to three hours aday during summer camps,” Hinchsliff said. “The light panels are directly above the mat area and provide great natural lighting during exercises.”
In addition to facilitating the concrete work, carpeting and erecting the metal building, Strickland Construction field-applied the 26-gauge LibertyRib wall panels with EIFS and provided cultured stone accents on the columns of the structure for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Furthermore, windows were designed and installed reaching all the way to the ceiling to produce lower utility costs and to increase the building’s energy efficiency. Architectural sunshades on the building’s exterior limit the sun’s glare and heat, while allowing natural light to come through the windows.
“After operating in the humid summer, I was surprised how energy efficient our building really is,” Hinchsliff said. “It was originally a concern for me, but not anymore. Our building is cool and our utility bills aren’t through the roof.”
Hernly & Associates, Lawrence, Kan., was the lead architect for the project. Construction was completed in a few short months.
Liberty Building Systems, www.libertybuildings.com
