SMBH

A creative culture of passionate people engaged in innovative structural design.

Recreational

The Scioto Mile

Scioto Mile

The Scioto Mile

Location: 
Columbus, Ohio

Architect:
MKSK

Construction Cost:
$44 million

Located in the heart of the city, the Scioto Mile is a green corridor that connects downtown Columbus, Ohio with the Scioto River. The Scioto Mile is a cornerstone revitalization project and will help attract and complement residential development, boost property values, and stimulate commercial growth. The Town Street Prow – designed to look very much like the prow on a ship - will serve as the end of the green gateway of the Scioto Mile, accented by gardens, decorative lighting and stone benches.

SMBH utilized post-tensioning cables in the design which were used to bolster the concrete sides of the forming landmass. The use of post-tensioning on the prow enabled the tying of two walls to each other instead of designing very large cantilevered retaining walls. Two additional buildings are part of the overall project – a glass-enclosed café restaurant (Milestone 229) with an outdoor terrace overlooking the park serves as an architectural icon along the Riverfront and a Pavilion. The café building includes a public restroom facility. The shape of the buildings, the roof spans and the desired aesthetic made post-tensioned concrete the best choice on these two buildings as well.

One predominate feature of the park is the stainless steel fountains. SMBH worked closely with the architect providing assistance in sizing the stainless steel fountain pipes through several design iterations, balancing the structural requirements with the many aesthetic aspects. SMBH also provided structural assistance on several of the site features including the concrete curbs, fountain basins, light pole foundations, concrete stairs, retaining walls, and fountain vaults.

Aquatic Adventures

Aquatic Adventures

Aquatic Adventures

Location:
Columbus, Ohio

Architect:
Meyers Welsh Architects

Construction Cost:
$3 million

Project Size:
25,000 SF

Aquatic Adventures is located at a high traffic intersection in Hilliard, Ohio, near a major interstate exchange. It is the Midwest’s premier aquatic center offering scuba training, swimming lessons for all ages, water fitness and lap swimming.

Because of the highly visible location, the owner wanted a visually appealing structure. As such, a sun screen was utilized on a high roof at the south end of the building and arched roofs with high bay windows. One of the challenges for this project was the deep foundations that had to be used at some locations because of the timing of the deep pool installation.

The facility includes a 14,000-square-foot natatorium with two pools and 4,000 square feet of retail floor space. Another challenge for this project was the short design and construction schedule. Flexibility by the design and construction team in handling changes during the short schedule was crucial to the success of this project.

North Bank Park

NorthBanks Pavillion1

North Bank Park

Location:
Columbus, Ohio

Architect:
Acock Associates/
HKI Architects

Construction Cost:
$2.5 million

Project Size:
20,000 SF

The first of a number of significant park improvements for downtown Columbus, North Bank Park is part of the Scioto Mile network of downtown parks.

SMBH worked with the designers and Alan McKnight of the Department of Recreation and Parks to design a creative, exposed structure for the pavilion. The structure was designed to compliment the railroad bridges that create the east and west boundaries of the park. In addition to the pavilion, the project included restroom/kitchen and storage buildings.

SMBH worked closely with the architects on this project to ensure that the visual look was achieved. An excellent example of how architects and engineers need to work together, this project is part of the Scioto Mile Riverfront Redevelopment. As a continuation of the downtown revitalization vision, this project creates park spaces on the east side of the Scioto River extending from Broad Street to Bicentennial Park. SMBH worked with the Department of Recreation and Parks and the design team. The additional green space is yet another amenity to attract residents to downtown.

Battelle Darby Creek Environmental Center

Battelle Darby Creek Environmental Center

Battelle Darby Creek Environmental Center

Location:
Columbus, Ohio

Architect:
DesignGroup

Construction Cost:
$5 million

Project Size:
15,000 SF

LEED Certification:
Registered

The Battelle Darby Creek Environmental Center serves as an educational nature center in which visitors learn about the park’s diverse ecosystems.  The building features a 53 foot long living stream, which reproduces the waterway habitats that are found within the park.  Other interactive exhibits are also featured which allow guests to engage in the natural world around them.

The primary design challenge for the project was the placement of the building in the fragile setting of the park.  The building was oriented on the site to provide an overlook for the natural prairie that supports bison and also to look toward Battelle Darby Creek.  The building orientation supports the principles of climate responsive design as well as other features such as natural ventilation and the use of geothermal heating and cooling systems.

A green roof planted with native vegetation integrates the building into the surrounding landscape. The green roof and the sloping site required careful coordination and planning to design the structure appropriately.  Careful coordination was also required to provide adequate structural support for the living stream, which is supported on a structural floor.

The building is pursuing LEED Silver Certification.

Awards:

  • 2014 AIA Columbus Merit Award
  • 2014 AIA Ohio Merit Design Award