The Sanford YMCA in Fargo Uses The BlueDuct^®  to Maximize Efficiency

Sanford Health Systems‘ mission centers around the health and wellness of its patients. Not only are they expanding their network of hospitals and clinics, but they are also providing for preventative care. One aspect of this preventive care initiative is to team up with the YMCA. They will build a state-of-the-art fitness center for their community to stay active during the long winter months in Fargo, ND.

The Challenge

The centerpiece of this new facility is the natatorium. The wall of glass separating the pool space from the cold outdoor air is always a concern for natatorium design. The indoor climate remains at 84°F with 50% relative humidity, while the outdoor climate can be as cold as –30°F. The challenge for ONE of Fargo is to keep the glass clear of frost and condensation throughout the year. With a 114°F temperature differential separated by a wall of glass, the design team had no room for error.

The Solution

Jeremiah Christenson, Managing Principal of Obernel, selected The BlueDuct^® for its inherent features of being airtight, watertight, insulated, and able to last as long as the building itself to supply warm, dry air to “wash” the glass clear of condensation. The BlueDuct’s ^® high-density polyethylene makes it a great choice. Additionally, it stands up to the highly corrosive environment of a natatorium space.

The linear supply diffusers uniquely incorporated into a small raised floor at the base of the windows. This placement allows the warm air to rise along the glass using the natural convection to cover the glass surface. Additionally, it does so with a minimum throw velocity. The linear diffusers also limit the amount of pool water that can drop down into the duct.

The BlueDuct^® underground air duct supplies air to the linear diffusers in the natatorium area, at the base of the tall glass.