Reinvigorating the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre

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.