Opened in 2009, the Beimdiek Recreation Center in Joplin, Missouri is a retrofit of an existing structure and an addition. Upon its completion, the project soon won an architecture and design award and now sets the standard for subsequent construction on campus, while fitting in with the existing campus environment. Featured on the recreation center are vertical and horizontal metal wall panel systems from CENTRIA.

Acting as a gateway for students to socialize with others and take care of all their health and activity needs, the facility now contains a new Student Health Center, a three-court gymnasium, elevated jogging track, two 4,000 sq. ft. fitness areas, two fitness class studios, a fitness testing center, locker rooms and showers, and a 150-seat theater.

Challenges of the project included integrating the new structure with the existing Billingsly Student Center; creating an even more inviting entrance for the existing student center, which was already a well-defined and dominant icon on campus; and creating both vertical and horizontal reveals of 2”, which were also required to carry over and line up with inside reveals where the wall extended through to the interior.

CENTRIA’s Formawall Dimension Series products were selected for this project because of their versatility and flexibility in terms of meeting these aesthetic challenges, as well as the performance and sustainability benefits inherent in the products.

Formawall Dimension Series can be installed both vertically and horizontally. Similarly, the product is able to be custom designed to include the reveals required by the architect’s exacting design. The product, with a Crushed Ice color, was also able to be curved to cap off a several-story, quarter-cylinder glass drum that allows the students enjoying the facilities’ amenities inside while taking in the view of the campus’ main drag outside the center. In terms of color and texture, the Duracast finish on the wall that extends from the exterior through to the interior of the building provides the look of masonry with the performance of metal.

Formawall Dimension Series was also selected because it only requires one installer, which makes installation simple, increases efficiency in construction and ensures high quality, long-term performance. Formawall Dimension Series also is the only complete metal wall system to provide superior thermal efficiency and total air and moisture control in a single panelized component. What’s more, CENTRIA’s Formawall Dimension Series has received Cradle to Cradle® Certification at the Silver Level.

The architect for this project was RDG Planning and Design of Des Moines, IA; the CENTRIA product dealer was Mays Maune McWard, Inc. of Fenton, MO; the CENTRIA product installer was Shawhan Sheet Metal of Independence, MO; and the contractor was R.E. Smith Construction of Joplin, MO. The project was completed in October 2009.

CENTRIA products used on the Beimdiek Recreation Center included:

• Formawall® Dimension Series® 2” Vertical. Square Feet: 6,392; Color: Surrey Beige; Finish: Smooth; Coating: Fluorofinish; Gauge: 22/26.

• Formawall® Dimension Series® 2” Vertical. Square Feet: 5,355; Color: Surrey Beige; Finish: Duracast; Coating: Duracast; Gauge: 22/26. 

• Formawall® Dimension Series® 2” Horizontal, Flat and Curved. Square Feet: 2,604; Color: Crushed Ice; Finish: Smooth; Coating: Fluorofinish; Gauge: 22/26.