At ISDSI we’re constantly looking for new ways to stay on the forefront of practicing what we teach when it comes to sustainability, and we’re really sold on the idea of sustainable architecture. What is our latest undertaking?

The new gym space for CrossFit Chiang Mai currently being constructed on the repurposed tennis courts just outside ISDSI’s office!

CrossFit Chiang Mai has had close connections to ISDSI since it opened in 2010, as the gym was originally started to insure students and field instructors were prepared for the physical demand of field expeditions.  Eventually, as word spread around Chiang Mai that Thailand’s first CrossFit affiliate had opened, the box welcomed anyone interested in joining. Today, CrossFit Chiang Mai and ISDSI continue to go hand-in-hand.

While the gym’s current space is a repurposed garage and uses many upcycled materials from the original structure, we have a lot of favorites about this new space.  We’re the most excited about using two upcycled shipping containers from southern Thailand, which will help brace the large tent structure, and operate as an office and storage for equipment.  We are also using a large fabric tent which is more sustainable than materials normally used in constructing a gym, and allows the space to have natural cooling and lighting elements. By only needing to use compact fluorescent lighting at night and fans when it’s hot, this structure will save a lot more energy compared to other structures used for similar purposes.

Lastly, as ISDSI and CrossFit Chiang Mai are both growing and therefore will need to move to a new facility soon, this incredible structure was constructed so it can be dismantled when necessary and moved to the new location.  Worried that it might not fit?  No need to worry. It was constructed using dimensions that will fit on the new property, too.

Here’s a shout out to sustainable architecture!

There’s still another week or so of construction, electrical work and moving equipment, but we’ll make sure to post more photos once it’s complete.