New Zealand
Australia
United States
United Kingdom
IrelandNorthcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre
The Project
Recognised as Australia’s first all-electric 6-star Green Star aquatic facility and wining various awards including the Australian Institute of Architects – Victoria Chapter Award for Sustainable Architecture and the Victorian Premier Design Award, Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) sets a new benchmark as a state-of-the-art community asset. Designed by award-winning architects Warren and Mahoney, NARC reimagines the outdated 1968 centre, to meet the evolving needs of the community and sit as a prominent cornerstone for years to come.
Project Team
Warren And Mahoney
Tom Roe
Kane Construction
Sam McGarry
Project Details
Melbourne
Sports and Aquatics
GreenStar
From the outset, the precinct was identified as an opportunity to become a sustainability exemplar. Aquatic centres are known to be one of the most energy intensive building typologies, operating 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, to maintain pool temperature and condition. NARC addresses this challenge with design strategies centred on repair and rejuvenation, responding to the climate emergency, and fostering community connection. Engagement with the Wurundjeri Elders and extensive community consultation shaped the project’s ethos, creating a welcoming, inclusive space for all ages and abilities.
The Challenge
Aquatic and recreation facilities might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of acoustic challenges. But how often have you walked through an indoor pool only to be met with the chaos of children laughing and shouting, an aqua aerobics class in full swing, swimming lessons in progress, and the hum of activity so loud you can’t even hear the person swimming in the lane next to you?
NARC is no exception and due to its size and scale of facilities is a hub for diverse activities. The centre must balance the competing needs of its various spaces, each with distinct acoustic requirements. For example, the lively atmosphere of family and children’s pools generate significant noise, while spa areas and wellness zones demand quieter, more relaxing environments. The challenge lies in not only managing sound transmission between these areas to ensure comfort and functionality for all users, but also in finding a suitable product for highly humid environments. High ceilings and expansive surfaces inherent to aquatic centres intensify reverberation, amplifying noise and creating echoes that can disrupt the enjoyment and experience of users and staff.
Elevating Acoustic Excellence in Australia’s First All-electric 6-star Green Star Aquatic Facility.
The Solution
In collaboration with Warren and Mahoney, Autex Acoustics developed a tailored ceiling solution to meet the unique acoustic demands of the NARC. The design features 25 mm Quietspace panels finished with Fawn Vertiface®, seamlessly suspended across the indoor pool and changing room ceilings.
The Fawn Vertiface complements the centre’s biophilic aesthetic, while the dense Quietspace Panels effectively manage noise transfer and reverberation, creating a more comfortable environment for users. Crafted with 65-80% recycled PET, Quietspace Panels are ideal for high-humidity areas, offering resistance to mould and ensuring durability in the demanding aquatic setting.
Autex Acoustics products were also chosen for their exceptional sustainability credentials, including carbon neutrality, aligning perfectly with NARC’s 6-star Green Star rating and commitment to environmental excellence. As Brett Diprose, Associate Principal at Warren and Mahoney explains, “materials and systems have been specifically selected to minimise the overall carbon footprint and reduce operational energy”.
By integrating acoustic solutions, the design not only enhances the centre’s functionality but also reinforces its mission to be a leader in sustainable, community-focused design.
The Project Team
Great spaces are created through collaboration. Explore the team behind this project and the contributions that brought it to life.
Quietspace® Panel
A discrete, high-performance broadband acoustic treatment engineered to absorb a minimum of 85% of sound energy. Quietspace® Panel is made from 100% polyester fibre, with a hard, compressed face and cushioned backing to optimise the range of frequency absorption.
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