This project demonstrates how focused attention to material performance and environmental conditions can result in architecture that’s both highly functional and visually striking. The Amberlee Indoor Pool sets a new standard for sustainable aquatic facilities in challenging climatic conditions.
High Performance Aquatic: Amberlee's New Indoor Pool
Amberlee Recreation Centre
The design of Amberlee Recreation Centre demonstrates how thoughtful material selection and environmental considerations can create a highly functional yet elegant aquatic space.
The Challenge
Creating an all-season pool facility in a bushfire-prone area requires careful consideration of both thermal performance and resilience. The design needed to maintain consistent internal temperatures while withstanding harsh environmental conditions and prolonged use.
The Design
The building’s form is deliberately simple yet sophisticated, featuring a distinctive sawtooth roof profile that makes a bold architectural statement. This pronounced roof creates an extended eave directed to the northwest, protecting the facade from both harsh sun and adverse weather conditions.
The facility’s thermal performance is achieved through several key design elements:
- Thermally insulated panel walls create a sealed environment that minimizes heat loss
- Rationalized and internalized structure reduces thermal bridging
- ARAMAX roofing spans allow for strategic cantilevers that protect the facade
- Built-in showers and amenities are integrated seamlessly into the design
The Innovation
What sets this project apart is its holistic approach to environmental control. The design considers materiality and performance before form, resulting in a building that’s both energy-efficient and resilient. Each panel is precisely designed to avoid on-site cutting, creating an efficient sequence of construction while maintaining thermal integrity. The exterior features thoughtfully integrated bench seating and planters within the concrete base, extending the facility’s usefulness beyond the internal environment and creating engaging spaces for visitors to gather.
