commercial feature
Thermal berms provide insulation for the amenities. Photo Credit: Brett Boardman Photography
Let the sunshine in:
saving energy at Sydney’s newest pool
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One of the key sustainable features is the timber and ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) roof which reduces the building’s reliance on artificial lighting. Photo Credit: Brett Boardman Photography 58 SPLASH! April/May 2021
ity of Sydney’s largest pool since the 2000 Olympics is also its most sustainable. Opened in February 2021, the state-of-the-art Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre was built as the focus of the new Green Square high-density precinct. Green Square is part of a 278-hectare urban renewal project to replace the former industrial zones of Zetland, Beaconsfield, Rosebery, Alexandria and Waterloo with high density housing for as many as 62,000 residents. When completed in 2031, it will be one of the highest density residential areas in Australia and is currently the fastest growing urban area in Sydney. The aquatic centre and surrounding sports fields have been designed to take the growing population into account and are located close to public transport including the metropolitan rail network. The $106.5 million City of Sydney facility features a 50m pool set within recreation areas inspired by Sydney’s ocean pools, a 25m pool with the third largest moveable pool floor in the world, a kids’ water playground, hydrotherapy pool, gym, creche, café and sports field. Sustainability features include waste, water and energy initiatives, and the centre has gained a 5-star rating under the Green Building Council of Australia design rating scale. The building uses a combination of rooftop