improving local biodiversity has always been a prime concern. We’ve improved wildlife corridors throughout the park by planting new trees, for example, and the building techniques and green initiatives at The Pods are further testament to our commitment. I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved. The feedback we’ve received is tremendous, and rightly so.” Creator of the award-winning design,
Andrew Wright from Andrew Wright Associates, explains more about the green initiatives: “The structure of The Pods has been developed to create an inspirational and sustainable building. The shell roof minimises the amount of structural materials required to construct the centre and we used renewable resources and sustainable materials throughout. I feel that the structural effi ciency of the shells and the gentle form that fl ows from the landscape give a clear vision of how traditionally energy- intensive public buildings can work in harmony with our environment.” Direct or diffused light and natural
ventilation is used throughout to reduce the facility’s environmental impact, while a sustainable water strategy has
september 2011 © cybertrek 2011
Geodesic design: The shell roof, designed by Andrew Wright Associates, minimises the amount of structural materials required to construct the centre
Caption Pit nonse minit accumsa ndiate minibh enisit alit vel do ercipit, sed etue magna consequ ipsumsandio odolorem ad mo
been employed to minimise wastage and fl ood risk. For example, grey water from the showers is recycled to feed the green sedum roofs and the water systems in the park, while a bio-mass boiler fed by wood chippings provides heat energy for the building.
design challenges The Pods is one of the first examples in the UK where this type of geodesic domed structure has been used for a major leisure project. In fact, 10 years ago it wouldn’t even have been possible, as the structural analysis computer technology didn’t exist. Wallwork continues: “As specialists in leisure facilities, we were brought in by Andrew Wright Associates to provide advice and then deliver the building. This project was innovative, unusual and large in scale.
It pushed the boundaries of traditional sports centres in so many areas and, as a result, wasn’t without its challenges. The three main issues were containing the project within budget, solving acoustic issues and retaining its green credentials. In many cases we had to think on our feet to come up with solutions. “For example, the noise issue was an
interesting one to solve. Traditionally, pool areas have a tiled fi nish that refl ects and enhances noise levels. This can be a problem in such an open-plan layout, so we worked with the construction company to create acoustic cassettes as part of the roof panels. We also had to work out the most environmentally sound and economical way to waterproof and insulate the building and ended up with a membrane that stretches across all four covered domes like a waterproof skin.”
fitness offering The 5,000sq m leisure centre includes a 500sq m fitness suite, with Life Fitness working closely with S&P Architects on the gym design and equipment selection for the 85-station offering.
Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital 37
PHOTO: KIPPA MATTHEWS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116