Some­thing So Strong

The Parra­matta Aquatic Centre (PAC) marks a signi­fi­cant deve­lo­p­ment in the long rela­ti­onship between the indi­ge­nous city of Parra­matta and water. Nestled in the 20 hectare park­land of Mays Hill, the site repres­ents over 60,000 years of use by the Burra­mat­tagal, a Darug people. Even in the early colo­nial period, Mays Hill served as a vantage point for the emer­ging city. This histo­rical func­tion still shapes the strict speci­fi­ca­tions for the open­ness of the site today – and became the starting point for a design that is as sensi­tive as it is inno­va­tive.

The plan­ning chall­enge was to realize an exten­sive spatial program of over 15,000 m² without compro­mi­sing the land­scape domi­nance of the park. The answer is a concept that is as clear as it is poetic and is divided into three elements: “Ring”, “Carving” and “Buffer”. The striking, circular struc­ture (the ring) encloses the water areas and defines the iden­tity of the center without losing the permea­bi­lity of the land­scape. Inspired by river and harbor baths, it creates a minimal enclo­sure that simul­ta­neously protects and connects.

The second prin­ciple, “carving”, describes the cutting of the complex into the topo­graphy. Large parts of the buil­ding volume are recessed into the ground, redu­cing the archi­tec­tural presence and preser­ving visual connec­tions across the site. This is comple­mented by the “buffer” – a linear struc­ture along the adja­cent traffic axes, which acts as acou­stic and visual protec­tion and also accom­mo­dates the fitness and well­ness areas.

The plans were drawn up by Andrew Burges Archi­tects, Grimshaw Archi­tects and McGregor Coxall.

At the heart of the faci­lity is the 50-metre outdoor pool with ten lanes and a width of around 25.5 meters. With a depth of 1.2 to 2 meters, it is suitable for both compe­ti­tive and recrea­tional sports and forms the central attrac­tion of the faci­lity. It is comple­mented by a 25-metre-long, eight-lane indoor pool that can be used all year round. A sepa­rate teaching pool with variable depths from 0.9 to 1.2 meters is available for swim­ming begin­ners.

The spacious water play area is parti­cu­larly family-friendly: an indoor splash park with a shallow, beach-like entrance (0 to 0.4 meters deep), slides and inter­ac­tive water elements creates safe and playful water expe­ri­ences for children. The offer is comple­mented by a sepa­rate rela­xa­tion pool as well as spa, sauna and steam baths.

All pools were realized with the modular Myrtha tech­no­logy. This is charac­te­rized by precisely prefa­bri­cated stain­less steel modules, which enable a long service life, optimum water quality and reduced main­ten­ance. At the same time, the light­weight design ensures an effi­cient cons­truc­tion and, in conjunc­tion with modern filter systems, contri­butes to signi­fi­cantly lower energy and water consump­tion.

The pools can be heated and meet both sporting and leisure requi­re­ments at the highest level.

The offer is comple­mented by a compre­hen­sive fitness and well­ness program: a modern, open-plan fitness studio with the latest equip­ment, several course rooms, communal areas and a café with indoor and outdoor seating create a versa­tile place for exer­cise, socia­li­zing and rela­xa­tion.

Spacious chan­ging areas and barrier-free access – such as ramps to the pools – ensure inclu­sive use for all visitor groups.

Sustaina­bi­lity is a central compo­nent of the concept. Photo­vol­taic systems on the roof supply a signi­fi­cant propor­tion of the energy required, while natural venti­la­tion systems and targeted daylighting reduce the tech­nical outlay. At the same time, the land­scape has been compre­hen­si­vely upgraded: thou­sands of new trees, shrubs and plants streng­then biodi­ver­sity, improve the micro­cli­mate and create shady recrea­tional areas.

The Parra­matta Aquatic Centre impres­si­vely combines archi­tec­tural clarity, tech­nical inno­va­tion and land­scape sensi­ti­vity. It is an open, invi­ting place for sport, leisure and commu­nity – and an exem­plary model of how large public infra­struc­tures can be harmo­niously inte­grated into estab­lished cultural land­scapes.

Planner

Andrew Burges Archi­tects
Grimshaw
McGregor Coxall (Land­scape)

Buil­ding owner

Myrtha Pools

Opening

2023

Photos

Grimshaw

Johannes Bühl­be­cker
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