Healthcare Design | December 16, 2024
Walton Family Whole Health & Fitness in Bentonville, Ark., aims to redefine what a fitness center can provide members with spaces to gather, learn, reflect, and move to support their health and well-being goals.
Duda/Paine Architects (Durham, N.C.) worked closely with Walmart to deliver its vision for Whole Health. The center was designed to connect associates to nature by offering views to the outdoors and using natural materials such as mass timber in the central commons, which houses resources for self-care, family support, and community engagement.
Anchor programs including racquet sports, aquatics, recreation, and fitness are laid out on the main circulation path where members can observe educational and mindfulness activities that encourage holistic well-being.
The center also includes lounges and social spaces where members can observe educational, mindfulness, and other activities…
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Large transparent glass walls at the south entrance invite visitors inside. The exposed structural roof, crafted from cross-laminated timber supported by steel beams, adds warmth and texture to the promenade and double-height porch.

Members arriving at the center enter a 2-story circular rotunda known as the commons. This space features clerestory windows and a large birch tree.




The blue-toned palette of the aquatics node is complemented by warm wood panels that form the stair structure and seating areas. Artistic interpretations of water droplets and curved light fixtures evoke the natural movement of water.

Indoor sport courts accommodate a variety of activities, including pickleball, tennis, basketball, and volleyball.

A community network of walking trails integrates the center with the surrounding landscape. High-performance concrete panels, metal panel, and glass facades are accentuated by aluminum fins and extrusions which shade the building from sun exposure.

The façade features terra cotta-colored panels and glass, with extrusions shading southern-facing openings from the afternoon sun.