Enhancement at Las Lomas
The fusion of performance sports and traditional architecture under the same roof was a primary objective during the development of Las Lomas, a new private club in the conservative city of Guadalajara, Mexico. The creators of Las Lomas turned to the Taiyo Birdair Corporation (TBC) to accomplish this mission. The Management of Las Lomas speaks proudly of the artistry and utility of our solution.
The location overlooks the city and its magnificence inspired architects to create a spectacular design that includes restaurants, lounges, terraces, a golf bar, resort style pools and all of the amenities expected in select private clubs. Each building has been designed to resemble a Spanish villa, with generous clay tile roofing creating a lovely captivating scene. The property showcases an abundance of extravagant amenities including a soccer field, golf course links, a driving range, tennis courts, a fitness center and a spa.
In addition to these luxuries, on a promontory point adjacent to the clubhouse lies the jewel of Las Lomas, the 25-meter indoor swimming pool. Enclosing the indoor pool presented a peculiar challenge to designers. Wanting to depart from the "warehouse look" of some indoor pools, they aimed to achieve a more contemporary atmosphere and searched for some-thing unique and modern. "We wanted to have the feeling of a different environment, one that would speak of performance and aesthetic sense in a way to transfer the same kind of joy experienced by the players on the golf course to the swimming members in the swimming facility," explains Diego Aceves, Marketing Director for Las Lomas.
While cosmetics were heavily considered, functionality was an important aspect of the design. The club community was to have the allure of a sparkling indoor swimming pool, for use at any time of day regardless of the conditions outside. These dual objectives were achieved through the incorporation of a custom tensioned-membrane dome contracted to the design/build resources of the TBC. The generous curves of the structure present the visitor with a distinctive architectural element that parallels the waving hills of the landscape. The name "Las Lomas" itself honors the surrounding landscape, being the Spanish word for "hills."
At first glance, visitor's eyes are drawn to the shape of the bright white domes, which surge over the red tile roof of the pool area. The curiosity to enter and explore is rewarded with the vision of the gorgeous interior where subtle, natural light showers the pool and transports the visitor into an invigorating arena. The staff finds that words are inadequate at describing the splendor but are confident that visitors will relish the experience.
The addition of TBC's custom structure has pleased Las Lomas' management that they've decided to feature more than three dozen modular umbrellas throughout the complex. Due to arrive in August 2005, the umbrellas will enhance many areas of the property including sections of the golf course and the outdoor cafe. Las Lomas gained value in all respects with the addition of TBC's practical yet elegant solutions.
