The Blazer Center, a new expansion at Sioux Center Christian School, reimagines what a multipurpose setting can be. Its gymnatorium, a combined gymnasium and auditorium, was designed with such intention that visitors might not even realize they’re in a shared space. This modern approach to a traditional facility allows movement and creativity to truly coexist.
Designing with a Purpose
The gymnatorium may seem effortless but achieving that required complex planning. Design firm 10Fold Architecture and Engineering had to create an area capable of shifting fluidly between different functions—from physical education classes and sporting events to assemblies, chapel services, band concerts, and theater productions—each with its own spatial and aesthetic considerations.
10Fold needed something that could be insulated, clad with architecturally pleasing panels, operated quickly, and withstand the demands of its environment. To provide the necessary level of adaptability, the design team pursued an unconventional yet highly effective solution: a custom hangar-style bi-fold door from Midland Door Solutions. “This idea was introduced by our architect and we really liked it,” said Eileen Buiter, Director of Operations and Food Service, Sioux Center Christian School. “We wanted a way to make a solid wall between our gymnasium and our stage.” This door would not only serve as that desired divider for the room, but as a bridge between the athletic and artistic sides of the space, all while maintaining harmony with the overall aesthetic.
From Gym to Stage
When closed, the 48’ x 16’ bi-fold door seamlessly integrates with the surrounding walls, keeping the gym’s appearance cohesive. With the touch of a button, the door folds upward and outward to reveal the performance stage, instantly transforming the area into an auditorium. Unlike with conventional curtains or sliding partitions, the vertical folding motion saves floor and stage space, allowing for uninterrupted activity and maximizing usability.
Eric Vermeer, Principal, PE, 10Fold Architecture and Engineering, emphasized the design intent: “We wanted the ability for fine arts students to be practicing on the stage while PE students or athletics were happening on the other side of the wall. When open, we wanted the door to act and look like a stage proscenium during fine arts performances.”
Built to Perform
Beyond its memorable visual impact, the bi-fold door delivers on practical demands. Built for the rigors of daily use, yet easy for staff to operate, it provides both resilience and simplicity. According to Jason Myrvik, President, Midland Door Solutions, accomplishing this called for close collaboration with the architect and several technical modifications. Due to the weight of the materials and the door’s size, the operating system had to be upsized. “The door has two 3-horsepower motors and a variable speed drive control panel,” Myrvik elaborated. “This allows for soft starts and stops as well as functionality to connect all the safeties required for this application.”
The process of getting the door into the gym presented its own challenges. It couldn’t be installed until after the building was constructed, which left only standard walk doors as entry points. Maneuvering it within these constraints involved working alongside the general contractor, Hoogendoorn Construction. With a methodical effort, Midland Door Solutions’ install team was able to navigate the obstacles and complete the project successfully.
Every detail, from materials to installation, was strategically chosen to ensure the door would perform reliably for years to come. Vermeer noted that it met all their objectives: insulation, cladding, durability, and operation speed, with the design and coordination process proceeding smoothly from start to finish. The result is a functional architectural feature that enhances how the environment is used every day.
A Smart Space for Students and Staff
The gymnatorium is a forward-thinking space that meets the needs of students, staff, and the community without compromise. Sioux Center Christian School can now host nearly all school performances on-site. This lets them reclaim valuable classroom time that would otherwise be lost to travel and gives them the operational advantage to schedule events more efficiently. Buiter shared that with the door closed, staff can setup the stage for their weekly chapel service while physical education class continues uninterrupted in the gym. After school, drama and basketball practices can be held simultaneously so that all students get home on time.
The benefits aren’t just logistical; they’re financial as well. As Vermeer explained, the door provided efficient use of dollars by eliminating the need to build both a gymnasium and an auditorium. It also helps safeguard the school’s investment in instruments and equipment by keeping the stage off-limits to students during the day.
A Lasting Impression
Through intentional planning, technical expertise, and collaboration, 10Fold Architecture and Engineering, in partnership with Midland Door Solutions, delivered a flexible and high-performing system that is as practical as it is impressive. In a time when schools are often asked to do more with less, the Blazer Center demonstrates that well-executed multipurpose spaces can feel exceptional. It’s a compelling example of how innovative design can elevate everyday environments, setting a new standard for what’s possible in educational facilities.
