Steel Gym & Auditorium Expands School in Vancouver, Washington

Fabricated by Sunward Steel in December 2024, this clear-span metal building serves double duty as a gymnasium and auditorium for Mannahouse Christian Academy, a K-8 school with a 50-year history of serving students across the Pacific Northwest.

Built in Vancouver, Washington, the spacious, aesthetically appealing steel school building adds another 8,176 square feet to the existing school’s infrastructure, providing ample space for sports, plays, PE classes, assemblies and other special events. Designed to stand strong against the moisture-heavy climate conditions of the region, the building won’t warp, rot or develop mold or mildew like wood buildings, requiring minimal maintenance in comparison. It also has a white liner panel covering part of the walls and the ceiling, giving it a bright, polished look from the inside.

Several customizations help students and families stay dry during drop-off and pickup, including 1’ eave extensions along two walls and a 1’ gable extension that provides additional overhead coverage. Strategically placed 4” gutters and downspouts also channel precipitation away from the walls and foundation, preventing water from pooling near the school building.

Practical and welcoming, the metal school combines clean lines with a contemporary design and gives the students of Mannahouse Christian Academy a safe place to play sports, perform on stage or otherwise come together as a school community.