Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre
The Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre is a 6-Star Green Star-rated facility setting new standards for sports infrastructure design. Designed by Warren and Mahoney with TTW, and delivered by Kane Constructions, the project prioritises sustainability, functionality, and community connection.
The building features 300m³ of long-span glue-laminated timber (GLT) beams, along with an innovative timber ceiling system. The prefabricated timber ceiling was designed as a prefabricated panel to provide lateral bracing for the structure. The ceiling panels also conceal services, serve as acoustic treatment and form part of the thermal envelope.
The GLT and ceiling panels not only provide sustainability benefits but also offer low maintenance and inviting, natural aesthetic. European timber performs exceptionally well in humid environments. Theca Timber is proud to have contributed to this state-of-the-art, energy-efficient facility, demonstrating how timber can play a pivotal role in sustainable, high-performance community and sports infrastructure.
- Developer:City of Darebin
- Client: Kane Constructions
- Architect: Warren and Mahoney
- Main Structural Engineer:TTW
- Rubner Services: Design consultancy for optimization of materials, detailed design up to LOD400, Structural Engineering, Fabrication, Delivery to site (link to project)
- Completion: 2022
- Download: Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre Fact Sheet
- Sustainability: 6 Star Green Star
- Awards:
- 2024 - Disability Sport and Recreation Victoria Awards - Inclusive Sport and Recreational Facility
- 2024 - Australian Sport, Recreation and Play Innovation Awards - Overall Winner
- 2024 - Australian Sport, Recreation and Play Innovation Awards - Category Winner - Places and Spaces Design
- 2024 - Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Construction Awards - Winner - Best Sustainable Project over $30M
- 2024 - Rethinking the Future Awards - Sport & Recreation - Built - Second Award
- 2024 Australian Institute of Architects - Victoria Chapter Awards - Sustainable Architecture – Finalist
The distinctive glue-laminated timber (GLT) beams and battened ceiling are a striking feature.
The prefabricated ceiling panels are fully coordinated with the buildings services.
The sustainable European timber features internal steel connections which are more durable and last longer than painted steel elements.
The impressive GLT teams span the entire pool hall and integrate the central skylight.
The sustainable European timber performs well in humid environments, like indoor pool halls.