34 PROJECT REPORT: SPORTS & LEISURE FACILITIES COLUMN-FREE
The architects and structural engineers designed a roof of ‘fish-belly’ glulam trusses with galvanised steel chords for the pool, to provide column-free views
concrete, render and tiles, and half of its floor is movable for flexibility of use, allowing a variety of classes from learn to swim to ‘aquafit’ to use it as required. “Lane swimming can be maintained in the deep part, and for competitions the whole pool can be set to 2 metres deep in a matter of minutes,” says the architect. A plastic ‘boom’ runs down the centre of the pool – a box which descends into a trench or ascends to water level in order to provide two different depths as required. Other innovations include an underwater camera- based system that warns lifeguards of users who are possibly in trouble. There’s also a shallow learner pool in addition to the fun ‘splash’ pool, with the former having sensory features like bubbles and water jets, lights and music, which is not only fun for children but beneficial for profoundly disabled users or even ‘chill out’ sessions for adults.
For the pool roof design, the architects and structural engineers had the task of “creating an elegant structure spanning over 30 metres, and providing column-free views from the spectator area.” The solution was ‘fish belly’ glulam trusses with galvanised steel chords. The roof’s diagonal, self-bracing form allowed cross-bracing in the walls to be reduced and provide a band of clear glass at ground floor “without structural interruption.”
It is obviously important to ameliorate acoustic control where possible in pools, and extensive acoustic panelling is found here to make swimming teachers’ lives easier. The comfortable acoustic produced “adds to why the building ‘feels good,’” says Ashworth, “although a customer may not appreciate exactly why.”
All Images © Paul Starr
Sustainability With, as Ashworth asserts, it being impossible to guarantee energy efficiency from a passive building for such a use class when it comes to sustainability aspects like ventilation, the focus of the design was instead on minimising solar gain. As well as the glass and brise soleil mentioned previously, the design maximises overhangs to shade the ground floor, and provides deep eaves. The blue film to the pool’s glazing absorbs as well as reflects heat, and there are smart sensors to maximise lighting and heating efficiency. In addition, a retained CHP unit from the existing centre was recommissioned and relocated in the new plant room. This “works efficiently for the heat load of the pool and the centre’s hot water requirement,” says
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Ashworth, topped up by ‘smart’ gas boilers if needed. Underfloor heating runs throughout the ground floor. The centre’s targeted ‘Very Good’ BREEAM rating will “put it in the top 25 per cent of non-domestic UK buildings for environmentally-friendly design,” says the project architect.
When it comes to the copious ductwork required for the servicing of a swimming pool and gym, the architects “as far as we could,” kept the ductwork on the roof and out of the internal spaces.
Conclusion Beyond the pool’s movable floor and the building’s colourful, engaging design, what really marks this project out among sports and leisure schemes, according to the architects, is the “client’s commitment to maintaining the long-term quality of the building.” Lifecycle, maintenance and safety issues were a “key factor in making decisions,” in what was a very robust specification based on specialist sector knowledge, and this should guard the project against the failures that have tainted other such schemes initially lauded for their design. With the project being a traditional JCT contract, Pick Everard remained in control for much of the detailing, which was a further contributor to a high quality outcome, it being a highly experienced firm. Where site issues did arise, the architects attended in order to directly resolve any queries and questions.
The result is a building which was always going to prove popular due to its key role as the only pool in town, but has exceeded expectations. Admissions have increased month on month since it opened in summer 2019, and the centre’s on track for a million visits in its first year of operation. The wide participation hoped for by the client is evident, with elderly pensioners sharing the space with school groups, plus a “very active programme” for disabled users, says Justin Ashworth, adding that this ties into to the intense focus on such users during the design programme, which included an access group dedicated to DDA and similar considerations.
Beyond the strengths of the new spaces and playful exteriors created, the final piece of the jigsaw is the lengths that the staff go to to assist users, no doubt inspired by their bright and colourful new home – in fact this is evidenced by the number of side projects that have been catalysed by the centre’s completion. Says Ashworth, “they go the extra mile to ensure users are welcomed and have a positive experience.”
ADF APRIL/MAY 2020
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