Natelli Family YMCA Ijamsville, Md.

Project Description:

The YMCA of Frederick County approached the design team to develop a 62,000-square-foot recreation center for the south end of the county. The facility sits between Urbana’s middle and high schools on 22 acres donated by Natelli Communities and immediately became a destination for the surrounding community, not only for the activities provided within but also for the building’s contemporary and impactful design.

Exterior design elements include stacked stone, vertical panels, three-tone Nichiha paneling and planks. Upon entering the facility, one is welcomed with a double-height grand lobby that leads into a wellness center that features a large gymnasium, an indoor walking/running track, an intergenerational space for active older adults, a family adventure center for kids, group exercise studios, locker rooms and multipurpose athletic fields. A skylit, communicating open stair with lounge space benches is provided at the heart of the building to facilitate socialization. The indoor natatorium features eight wide lanes and a warm-water family/class pool with fun activities for children, as well as a slide that emanates from a frog’s mouth, spray jets, tumbling buckets and an area for water aerobics and other low-water sports.

Wherever possible throughout the building, the design provides reduced need for artificial light. The window-lined second-floor fitness area features abundant natural light and provides an expansive view of the outside. An outdoor rooftop terrace allows for open-air workouts. The orientation of the curtain wall at the front of the building allows exercising members to have a view of the distant mountains.