Swimming pools present unique and difficult challenges. Vernon L. Dunagin, AIA, brings extensive experience in the planning, construction and remediation of natatoriums. This experience extends from performing as the Architect-of-Record for remedial work to the role of Owner’s project manager for some of the nation’s premier facilities.
MIDLAND ISD NATATORIUM AT MIDLAND HIGH SCHOOL
The pool and its enclosure were constructed with the original high school. Construction consisted of masonry walls and a gypsum deck with built-up roof. Water leaks and moisture impact from the heated pool and interior environment had rendered the roof deck unsafe. The project consisted of removal of the existing deck and replacement with a plastic composite structural deck. Careful study was conducted to ensure the proper placement of a vapor barrier within the new roof system. The result has been a leak-free building with a deck and roof assembly ensured to last more than 20 years.
NORTHSIDE ISD AQUATICS CENTER – MAIN POOL ENCLOSURE
In 1998 a major hail storm punctured holes ranging from 4” to 8” in diameter in the Kalwall roof system. Vernon L. Dunagin, AIA, acting on behalf of the District negotiated the insurance settlement that replaced the roof in its entirety, and also developed the design for replacement of the structural panel system.
NORTHSIDE ISD AQUATICS CENTER – SOLAR PANEL REPLACEMENT
This project conducted in 2008 saw the removal of a 1972-vintage solar hot water panel system and replacement with a state-of-the-art solar system designed to meet the pool and domestic hot water needs of the building. Vernon L. Dunagin, AIA, acting in the role of Owner’s project manager, directed the design of Goetting & Associates Engineers, and also designed and coordinated the roof replacement project by Architect-of-Record Cindy Chadwell of Rooftech, Inc.
NORTHSIDE ISD NATATORIUM – ROOF DESIGN
In 2003-04, Vernon L. Dunagin, AIA, worked closely with RVK Architects on the roof design of this facility. A unique design was created under Mr. Dunagin’s direction incorporating a composite plastic deck system, purlins with batt insulation, and a standing seam metal roof system. The assembly has performed exceptionally well with no deterioration or evidence of problems from the highly humid interior environment.
NORTHSIDE SWIM CENTER
Vernon L. Dunagin, AIA, worked as the Owner’s project manager throughout the design phase of this project which is championed to be the first national level competition swim center constructed in the past 20 years in the United States. Mr. Dunagin was responsible for budgeting, directing the A/E team (PBK Architects), contract negotiations for the joint ownership between NISD and Bexar County, and directing the project through completion of the construction documents phase.
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY INDOOR POOL
This project presented considerable challenges to the A/E team led by Architect-of-Record, Vernon L. Dunagin, AIA. The exterior walls of the facility consisted of an outer shell of corrugated asbestos-containing transite panels. Considerable caution had to be exercised in the detailing and construction to avoid breakage of the fragile panels. The gypsum deck and interior fiberglass batt insulation presented a challenge. These soft and easily saturated materials posed a problem for the thermal design. A design was developed leaving the deck in place, providing a protective coating system to the interior side, removing the batt insulation, and providing an effective thermal-resistant insulated built-up roof assembly. Installed in 1996, this roof system continues to function very well at this time.
