Modern Gym Design

For my design, I intended to create an area that incorporated the outside and nature as much as possible. Being a boy scout, I have truly understood the healing effects of the outdoors and have gained much respect for it as a method of rehabilitation. As such, in the design of my gym, I took a more unusual approach and opted to create a less closed off gym and a more open concept gym. This also had the effect of allowing a large variety of people who are rehabilitating to go to the gym without concern of the transmission of the coronavirus (which has been stopping many people including myself from going to everyday gyms). From the air filters within the building to the garden area that calms patients, all parts of the gym allow for the maximum relaxation and rehabilitation.

1)Firstly, the location at which the gym would be constructed would be between barranca parkway and warner avenue in Irvine. This location, as seen in the map, contains a large amount of open space and as there is nothing currently going on there, allows for straightforward construction management.

2)Signage

Regarding specific signage at the location, there would be caution signs warning against falling objects. There would also be signage to warn against wet concrete when the foundation is being poured. Finally, there would be signage to direct parking and the general public away from the area when they are at risk of being injured.

3)Building Materials

As for building materials, there are no particularly unique materials. The walls are made from the common stud, insulation, and drywall construction. The windows would be made from a fiberglass composite and the doors, a wood construction. Overall, the wood construction of the gym would contribute to the “homey” feel and allow for those to feel more comfortable within the gym when it is complete. Other materials would include tubing for plumbing and various gauges of nominal wires for electrical work. Additionally, general amenities like toilets and sinks would be used for the construction of bathrooms and wash areas.

4) COVID Protocols

As for COVID protocols, during its construction, workers would be required to wear masks when in closely populated areas. This would include gatherings for meetings with the exception of when workers are eating. Additionally, all the workers would either need to be vaccinated with a two week gap period after their second shot or submit to continual tests every day they come to work. A case of COVID could severely halt construction and as a result cost a lot of money in the long run.

5) Adherence to Codes

In reference to codes, all general safety codes are adhered to as according to door placement, foundation placement, construction materials, and safety exits in addition to the many codes that need to be followed. Additionally, for this specific gym, California construction codes for commercial building will also be followed as to remain legal in terms of construction methods. Additionally, before each major part, a private inspector will be hired in order to make sure money isn't wasted on a portion of the gym that will be eventually torn down.

1) General Construction Plans

The basic plans of the building can be seen in the site plan and the floor plans shown. On the northern end of the gym, there is a large section for exercise. On the right hand side would be areas for lockers and showers and on the left hand side, yoga. Then, the bottom right would contain a garden for athletes to relax. Finally, the bottom left would contain rooms for doctors or one on one consultations with therapists or colleagues. The center room when directly entering the building is the reception area. Additionally, to the end of the hallway north of the reception of the area lies the bathroom. Furniture and equipment is not shown as it all remains as post production additions. Plumbing would only be required in the bathroom area and the main gym area for sinks and showers. Additionally, electrical wiring would need to go through the consultation and reception areas. Minimal electricity would be required in the general gym area and the garden to the large amount of natural light. Specifically, the main gym faces the direction at which the sun sets and as a result has the most light. Additionally, after speaking with local officials, it was found that the optimal space for windmills was where they are shown because that is the general path of wind currents.

2)Structural

The structure of the building will mostly consider general walls containing studs, insulation, and drywall. Finally, the outer faces of the interior walls will be covered with wood with the exception of the garden area. The general wooden exterior of the inner walls will contribute to the "home-like" feeling of the area.

3)Exterior Wall

The exterior wall has the same construction as the interior walls but with an exterior of stucco for extra protection. It is just a general wall as seen in common construction. However, it is vital that is constructed well to allow for weathering in different environments. Additionally, it will painted gray to avoid the discoloration from the large amount of sun experienced in Irvine.

4)Roofing

The roofing will be at a 15 degree angle. Although it is rather shallow as compared to buildings in rural California, it allows for a low profile of the building as a whole and is in accordance with all the appropriate rules and regulations in Irvine.

1)Phases of Construction

1)Initially, the foundation of the building must be laid. This would be approximately 10 in thick which is the nominal size. There also must be a space for access to soil in the garden area for a successful garden to flourish. Additionally, a 3/8 in padding material would be added to the floor of the main exercise area but that would be in finishing steps.

2)After the foundation, the structure or framing of the gym would need to be constructed from nominal lumber. This would mainly include 2 by 4s for vertical structural supports and lumber like 2 by 6s as needed for horizontal supports.

3)After the framing of the gym is constructed, the insulation and covering panels would need to be added to the house. This would include general spray insulation but could also include panel insulation. The insulation would also need to be added to accommodate the window framing. The large amount of windows also brings into question the efficacy of the building. Because of the large amount of windows, less electricity is needed. However, it also makes it hard to keep the temperature of the gym constant. Regardless, because of the lack of temperature change in Irvine throughout the year, it is of minimal concern but is important to be noted.

5)Then, the roof must be constructed with the framing, insulation, and shingles. Also appropriate plumbing and drainage must be installed.

4) After the general walls are constructed and the roof is constructed, work can begin on general landscaping both outside the gym and within the garden inside the gym

5) Finally, after the general construction is completed, all the equipment, can go in and devices like toilets and sinks can be fitted to plumbing and electrical devices that were put into the building during the first four steps.

2)Budget

The overall budget for the project excluding all equipment would be about 400,000 dollars as according to prices in 2018 regarding lumber, electrical materials, amenities, and plumbing. However, as many prices are rising due to the recent COVID crisis, this number could drastically change. Specifically, lumber prices on dimensional lumber have more than tripled which would add a large amount of money to the projected 400,000 dollars. As a result, it is recommended that construction begin in late 2022 or early 2023.

As a whole, I have discussed this plan with some local officials just for a pseudo-approval and the viability of the construction has been well received. However, there is still some work to do regarding logistics given that some construction companies have changed their practices after the oncoming of the COVID-19 crisis.