The materials used to construct athletic facilities must provide a balance of performance, durability and aesthetic edge. One of the most effective solutions for achieving these goals is the use of insulated metal panels (IMPs).
Due to their versatile performance and aesthetics, Kingspan IMPs were used to construct the University of Missouri’s Stephens Indoor Facility, the Sands Family YMCA, and Northern Arizona University’s (NAU) Student-Athlete Performance Center.
University of Missouri – Stephens Indoor Facility
The Stephens Indoor Facility at the University of Missouri is used for training and practice by the university’s sports teams. Kingspan’s QuadCore B Designwall 2000 panels helped the building to withstand the demands of sports activities and the extreme weather conditions of Missouri without sacrificing design.
Kingspan’s IMPs were selected for this project due to their exceptional thermal performance. Kingspan’s QuadCore® B technology offers exceptional insulation, resulting in reduced heating and cooling costs in the large facility and regulated indoor temperatures during harsh winter months.
Beyond functionality, the aesthetic appeal of the Stephens Indoor Facility was an important consideration. Designwall 2000 panels provide architects with enhanced design flexibility for large-scale projects. Vertical Designwall 2000 panels in a custom gray color were used to complement MU’s visual identity and style.
Sands Family YMCA
The Sands Family YMCA is an example of how IMPs can support both speed of construction and visual appeal in athletic facilities. For this project, Kingspan’s KS Series Mini Micro-Rib panels were chosen to provide both durability and aesthetic flexibility, making them an ideal solution for this community-based athletic center.
One of the Sands Family YMCA project's standout features was the build speed. Kingspan’s panels contributed to the fast-track construction timeline, enabling the project to move forward efficiently without sacrificing quality or design integrity.
In addition to their performance, the panels offer a sleek, modern aesthetic that fits seamlessly into the YMCA’s design. The panels’ subtle, ribbed texture enhances the facility’s visual appeal while providing exceptional durability.
Northern Arizona University – Student-Athlete High Performance Center
The Student-Athlete High Performance Center at Northern Arizona University (NAU) is another example of how IMPs can be used to create high-performance athletic spaces. Designed to support the university’s athletes, this state-of-the-art facility used Kingspan’s KS Series Mini Micro-Rib panels for a combination of energy efficiency and design appeal.
Like the Stephens Indoor Facility, energy efficiency was a critical factor in constructing the NAU Student-Athlete High Performance Center. The panels provide a high level of insulation, keeping the indoor space cool in Arizona’s hot summer months. By minimizing the need for extensive heating and cooling systems, the panels help reduce energy consumption and operational costs, ensuring the facility remains cost-effective to run year-round.
Kingspan’s IMPs were selected for the variety of colors, textures, and finishes available. This allowed the university to create a modern, sleek exterior designed to fit into the natural landscape of the hills while serving as a beacon to new recruits and a way to retain student-athletes.
Key Takeaways
The University of Missouri’s Stephens Indoor Facility, the Sands Family YMCA and Northern Arizona University’s Student-Athlete High Performance Center demonstrate the many advantages of using IMPs in athletic facility construction.
These panels provide an optimal solution that balances durability, thermal efficiency and design flexibility. For architects and builders looking to create state-of-the-art facilities that support athletes and stand the test of time, IMPs are the way to go.