After years of effort to keep the former arena operational, the decision was made in 2012 to build a new, state-of-the-art facility that would better accommodate the sport and be able to host world-class championship events.
Five years later, 32 acres of land was acquired at 750 University Avenue in Norwood, to become the new home of the world-famous Skating Club of Boston, a vision that has finally come to fruition.
Inspiration for the design came from the name and branding associated with the club, which itself is an integral part of the rich history for the sport of figure skating in the U.S. for over a century. Indeed, the Skating Club of Boston has been proud to host two International Skating Union World championships and eight United States Figure Skating Association championships. So, it came with immense pride that Lainco was selected to become involved in the development of this world-class project!
When a call to tender was made for the construction of the new sports centre, general contractor Callahan Construction submitted its proposal to the club, which included Lainco’s proposed solution as an alternative to the conventional prefabricated metal building (PEMB). Although Callahan wasn’t chosen to complete the task, the club’s owners were impressed by Lainco’s proposal, which featured the innovative HIGHRIDGE SYSTEMS™ metal roof concept, along with the multiple advantages that would be provided in working collaboratively with all the key players* on the project.
As a result, the eye-catching concept was deemed a perfect fit given the owners’ vision and the athletic centre’s design was shaped to provide a perception of space and to enhance visitor experience based on the traditional setting of the Olympic games.
To preserve the club’s sense of authenticity, Lainco’s engineering team had to adapt the design of the amphitheatre’s roof to reflect the club’s desire to retain its angular shape.
The architectural concept by Studio Troika and Lainco’s structure convey the level of activity and energy right from the entrance; the public feels welcomed and appreciates an open space, a distinct and aesthetic interior; all at the cutting edge of technology.
The Boston Skating Club is a gathering place for the figure skating community, with multi-purpose facilities to further support the sport. This huge complex includes a 2,500-seat amphitheatre, three rinks, a training and dance hall, a food counter, sports medicine centre and many other services.
Thanks to Lainco’s expertise, it was possible to optimize the building’s energy performance by improving the airtightness and insulation properties of the envelope by eliminating numerous thermal bridges.
Collaborating with the architect, we employed all available expertise to design bleachers that feature fixed and removable sections to offer maximum flexibility in seating arrangements.
Lainco’s expertise and extensive hands-on experience in the design and construction of sports facilities proved invaluable in bringing this majestic project to life. As with all projects, there was a multitude of challenges to overcome!
In this instance, the challenge was to fine-tune the team’s understanding of local issues, including energy standards, design, U.S. planning rules, transportation regulations and, finally, the pandemic.
In short, this first design-build project on American soil was a rewarding experience for Lainco, and a perfect example of how a project can positively impact a sports community.
*Thanks to the project’s key players: NorthStar Project & Real Estate Services (Developer), J. Calnan & Associates (The Awarded General Contractor) and Studio Troika (Architect).
Lainco, the Lainco logo, HIGHRIDGE SYSTEMS™ metal roof concept and the combination of each main truss and their associated secondary beams, are trademarks of Lainco Inc.
The combination of the main trusses, and their associated secondary beams and columns is an architectural work protected by copyright. © 2011 Lainco Inc.