Located in Truth or Consequences (T or C), NM, the new Hot Springs High School Fitness Center is a $1.5 million facility designed for Truth or Consequences Municipal Schools. The purpose of the facility is to provide students with a clean and safe environment to build on their physical and mental development as they transition into the next members and leaders of the community. This facility was planned for many years because T or C is a small community and allows first responders to use the fitness center outside of school hours.

The 5000-square foot building replaced the current weight room facility and added two exercise rooms that are divided by an operable wall. The weight room space and the exercise rooms are separated by an open circulation space with seating and decorative metal panel screens to divide the activities but keep the continuous space connected. The main building entry is highlighted by large glass panels that include graphics of the school logo and underscores the building activities.

The exterior of the facility matches the brick and metal roofs of the campus. The roof line breaks along the line of the circulation space below and rises to allow natural light to enter the space from the clerestory windows above. The rise of the roof also opens the interior space at the weight room, which aids building ventilation by allowing space to install two 10’ diameter low-velocity fans to keep air moving. On the north and south walls of the weight room are window walls with glass garage doors that can be opened to allow a direct connection to the covered exterior space. This maximizes the building’s flexibility by offering the building occupants flexible means of providing airflow and comfort throughout the year.

Choices made in the selection of materials and systems contributed to reduced operational costs as well as increased the functional lifespan of the building. Conventional building systems and materials were used for the design of the facility, yet they created a few unique spaces.

The facility was designed to use energy-efficient lighting and daylighting. LED lights are very energy efficient, create less heat, and last a very long time compared to compact fluorescents or traditional fluorescent tube fixtures. Daylighting strategies such as Kalwall at interior spaces and hallways and large window areas at the building’s ends increase functionality.