The Yukon-Kuskokwim Fitness Center was designed to serve the City of Bethel and the surrounding YK Region with a community-driven, life-saving, and healthy recreational opportunity. The facility is a one-of-a-kind swimming pool raised above the permafrost on piles and in a highly efficient building envelope to minimize energy costs in the sub-arctic environment. The building is accessed from a covered entrance bridge, protecting it from the weather. This entrance opens to a grand entrance gallery with a stunning mural painted by a local artist. The gallery divides the natatorium into a multi-purpose exercise room, fitness room, and meeting spaces. The natatorium features a 6-lane swimming pool, wading pool, water slide, spa, men’s, women’s, family locker rooms, and spectator seating. Natural daylight filters through the building and decreases the lighting required. The energy requirements are further reduced with a large on-site wind turbine.