The existing Des Renford Aquatic Centre was established in the early 1960’s in the recreational precinct of Heffron Park, Maroubra.
Randwick City Council decided that to better fit the needs of the community a fitness Centre (gym) was to be constructed as part of the overall complex. the new facility was to be located at the front of the existing facility, therefore requiring a new entry/reception area for the whole facility to be included in a new building.
The insertion of the new fitness centre in the existing facility gave the Council the opportunity to reinvigorate and update the full centre.
The project came to include a new centre entry, retail and cafe areas. It includes the following components:
- 450m2 gym weight training area
- 250m2 aerobics centre
- 100m2 spin studio
- Creche for 40 children
- Retail pod
- Cafe seating area
- Administration/meeting and staff room
- Upgrade of existing amenities
- Upgrade of carpark and landscaping
Design Innovations
To accommodate an unusual shaped site (due to the location of the existing buildings) a footprint in the shape of the number ‘8’ was used to address the main car/pedestrian entry and comfortably abut the existing facility.
This building shape created a free flowing connection between the different areas and activities, and with the inclusion of a circular atrium, a building filled with an abundance of natural light.
The junction between the new and old buildings provided a space for seating and the main link between the new fitness centre and the existing amenities.
Buildings Design + ESD
The building services design incorporated the use of efficient A/C systems, lighting and water re-use.
Full height glazing (with sunshading) and the atrium between the two levels has allowed the centre to operate with minimal artificial lighting during daytime hours. Precast panels to the east and west provide thermal mass insulation allowing a more efficient use of power.
project overview
client
Randwick City Council
size
approx 1700m2
cost
$7.5m
completed
2013
team
Project Director
Project Architect
Project Architect
Ian Brewster
Luigi Staiano
Maria Collela
Date
2013
