The world of sports facility design is continuously evolving, and NanaWall sliding glass walls are at the forefront of this transformation. With innovative engineering, easy operation, and unparalleled performance, architects are dramatically enhancing sports venues, from college golf facilities to stadiums and commercial sports centers. A shining example, the new Mack and Jonnie Day Golf Practice Facility part of the Blackburn-Furrow Clubhouse at the University of Tennessee, exemplifies the transformative power of architectural solutions like opening glass wall systems. Whether a renovation or new construction, these commercially rated, and independently tested systems offer unparalleled performance that enhances sports facilities and transforms usable space.
Project Spotlight: The Mack & Jonnie Day Golf Sports Facility
Recreation Indoor-Outdoor Spaces Elevated with Single Track Sliding Glass Walls
In the competitive realm of designing sports facilities, multifunctionality and aesthetics are essential considerations. To set their venues apart, Architects turn to commercially rated and energy-efficient opening glass walls—the top solution to seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor spaces for businesses and beyond. The NanaWall HSW60 sliding glass wall system installed at this golf training facility has transformed the practice environment allowing unobstructed access with panels that can conveniently park outside the opening. Athletes can practice year-round, regardless of weather conditions. This single tack siding system optimizes usable square footage and space planning, and quickly dissolves the barrier between indoors and out—a truly seamless transition between the Clubhouse interior and exterior putting green.
Maximizing Square Footage & Space Planning
Commercially performing opening glass wall systems are designed to maximize usable space, making them ideal for sports facilities where every square foot counts. The jewel of the UofT facility is the climate-controlled Clubhouse with hitting bays for year-round practice. It features a 1,000-square-foot hitting bay with advanced swing-analysis technology, and a completely indoor-outdoor bay with an open exterior through disappearing sliding glass walls. Golfers can relish year-round putting practice without skipping a day, thanks to the advanced weather-protected facility design. The building also features modern locker and meeting rooms, and lounges with breathtaking views of the greens and the Tennessee River. The architects chose advanced single track sliding glass walls as they can solve virtually any design challenge and can accommodate unlimited door panels. The systems are highly durable and designed for high-traffic areas and evolving space needs. With a fully customizable parking bay, architects can design systems that can have all the panels outside the plane of the opening, and out of sight, when the system is opened. NanaWall systems are also fully customizable, and configurable, meet ADA compliance, and can accommodate panic hardware.
Year-Round Flexible Practice Spaces
From golf courses to multi-sport complexes, these individual panel sliding glass walls provide the versatility and performance needed to create flexible spaces that withstand even the harshest weather conditions. This adaptability is crucial for facilities like the University of Tennessee, where both indoor and outdoor practice areas are essential throughout the entire year. These energy-efficient systems perform in every season to create access while protecting interiors, flooding them with light, increasing thermal efficiency, and reducing the building's reliance on artificial lighting. Engineered for the ultimate in durability, opening glass wall systems are independently tested to sustain thousands of openings and closing cycles and still work like a charm. They are also tested and rated for air, water, structural, and forced entry.
The Future of Versatile Design of Sports Facilities
This clubhouse and practice facility is a shining example of how thoughtful architectural design can revolutionize athletic and recreation facilities. A strategic layout that maximizes space and seamlessly merges practice areas, removing the barrier between the facility and the outdoors entirely. The 29' exterior opening of the building is facilitated by 9 individual sliding glass wall panels that are 10' 6" tall. This state-of-the-art practice facility caters to both the men’s and women’s golf teams with an expansive practice hitting bay, technology upgrades, and a virtual putting green. The facility sets a new standard for golf practice environments nationwide. Adding to the top-notch amenities, a custom synthetic turf system was incorporated for year-round practice capability.
The Visionary Team Behind the Transformation
The architectural marvel that is the Mack and Jonnie Day Golf Practice Facility was brought to life by the renowned firm Blankenship & Partners, LLC. Known for their innovative designs and commitment to excellence, they envisioned a facility that seamlessly integrates functionality with aesthetic appeal. The impeccable installation of single track sliding glass walls at the facility was executed by Southern Glass Company, a leader in high-quality glass solutions. PlayRite experts installed synthetic turf for both the indoor and outdoor practice spaces.
Final Thoughts
As the demand for high-performance, aesthetically pleasing sports facilities continues to grow, innovative architectural solutions like NanaWall stand out for advanced performance, innovative engineering, and the industry's slimmest aluminum frame on the market. The transformation of the Mack and Jonnie Day Golf Practice Facility at the University of Tennessee is a testament to the collaborative efforts of visionary architects, skilled builders, and expert installers. Sliding glass walls have played a pivotal role in redefining this sports venue, providing a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. As we continue to push the boundaries of design and performance, opening glass wall systems remain the premier choice for architects and designers looking to create exceptional sports facilities and beyond.
For more information and to explore the endless possibilities with NanaWall systems, visit our inspiration gallery and contact us to start transforming your space today!
FAQs
What makes sliding and stacking glass walls a smart choice for sports facilities?
Answer:
Sliding and stacking glass walls offer broad design options, versatility, durability, and year-round functionality for sports venues. They create seamless indoor–outdoor transitions, maximize usable space, flood interiors with natural light, and perform well in diverse weather conditions — enhancing both athlete experience and facility design.
Can sliding and stacking glass walls really improve space planning in athletic venues?
Answer:
Yes. These systems are designed to optimize space usage, especially in areas where every square foot matters. By allowing panels to move completely out of sight, facilities can adapt spaces for training, events, lounges, or practice bays without permanent barriers.
Are sliding glass walls durable enough for high-traffic sports environments?
Answer:
Absolutely, Commercially rated single track sliding glass systems are engineered for high performance and heavy use. They’re designed to withstand thousands of opening and closing cycles, resist harsh weather, and maintain structural integrity in busy sports facilities.
Do these glass wall systems work in all weather conditions?
Answer:
Yes. Sliding and stacking glass wall solutions can enhance year-round usability by protecting interior spaces from wind, rain, and temperature extremes while still allowing light and outdoor views. This makes them ideal for golf training bays, multi-sport complexes, and other athletic venues.
Can sliding glass walls help enhance the spectator or user experience?
Answer:
Yes, by increasing daylight, creating clear sightlines, and seamlessly connecting indoors with outdoors, sliding glass walls improve visibility and comfort for athletes, spectators, and staff alike. They also add an upscale, modern aesthetic to sports facilities.
Are single track sliding glass walls customizable for different types of sports facilities?
Answer:
Yes. These systems are highly configurable to meet specific architectural and performance needs. They can accommodate different panel sizes, parking configurations, ADA requirements, and high-traffic usage patterns, making them a flexible solution for training centers, clubhouses, arenas, and more.
