On Thursday, Feb 25, 2016, the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) held their annual BOB (Best of the Best) Awards in Atlanta. The event is to celebrate the designers in Atlanta and all of their work.
Heery was being considered for three separate projects and was recognized with an Award of Merit for the University of Texas DKR Volleyball Development Center.
University of Texas - Volleyball Development Center
The challenges inherent in converting 26,749 SF of shell space located 30 feet beneath a football stadium into a world class Women’s Volleyball practice facility and team/hospitality area called for the same versatility, character and quality in the interior design team that winning coaches look for in their star recruits. Solving these challenges at the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium at the University of Texas (UT) in Austin became the design team’s mission.
With a February 2015 opening, the design team’s main goals included maximizing the space within the constraining location, then focusing on incorporating the University of Texas brand through the use of furniture, material textures, pattern application and finishes, and designing and applying specific treatments to match the variety of spaces. The project accommodates several functions for the Volleyball program, from practice courts, equipment storage and video production rooms to higher-end coaches’ and players locker room and lounges. One main goal of the $8.8 million project was to enhance the day-to-day efficiency to operations for volleyball players, coaches and staff members while making a home away from home for the program.
The two-story practice space includes one full court and one half court with a retractable net dividing the area. When pulled up, the large space is ideal for practices, camps, drills and other events. The practice courts are equipped with an integrated sound system and live camera recording, allowing coaches and players to have immediate playback of drills. To provide a quick turn around on injury prevention and care, the training room is directly accessible from the practice courts.
The practice area is creatively integrated with the team facilities, transforming the environment with sophisticated finishes. Paying close attention to details, the design team created a cohesive aesthetic that visually ties the spaces together. For example, custom wood and metal panels were incorporated into the branded, curvilinear locker room, embracing the team dynamic, while more functional spaces, such as video production and equipment storage rooms, were completed with resilient materials for the everyday use.
The team integrated the school logo and colors through material textures, patterns and finishes, as well as furniture selections. The applications of the UT logo are finished in conjunction with more traditional graphic displays that reinforce the Texas experience for staff and visitors alike.