“Our new centre is simply breathtaking. BOON Team Architects have designed a building that is innovative and beautiful and far exceeds the council’s expectations.”  Janie Annear, Mayor Timaru District Council

BOON Team Architects were commissioned in late 2009 to develop a concept design for a new $23.5 million aquatic centre at Maori Park, Timaru - the site of an aging 50 metre outdoor swimming pool overlooking Caroline Bay.

The new facility features a ten-lane 25 metre pool with a three metre diving platform, variable depth warm water programme pool, learn to swim pool, spa pool, leisure pool, toddler pool, lazy river, and splash deck with interactive water toys; as well as a fitness centre, wellness suite, and café. 

Key to the success of the project is the building structure and pools design. Elegant branching structural steel supports an enormous roof area with few columns interrupting sight lines through the pool areas. Fresh heated air is distributed via a ceiling plenum which avoids the visual clutter of suspended mechanical ducts while enclosing steelwork in a fresh air environ free from the corrosive effects of chlorinated pool vapour. The pools themselves comprise a huge collective surface area providing an array of water depths and features.

An intelligently integrated building services design comprising high levels of thermal insulation, wood fuel boiler heating and heat recovery systems provide high energy efficiency and predictable energy costs of operation.

BOON Team Architects also worked with the Timaru District Council to develop branding and sponsorship signage as an integral part of the overall facility design. Local images and stories are intertwined with the acknowledgement of the significant contribution of project funders. Caroline Bay is an integral part of Timaru’s identity and the Caroline Bay Aquatic Centre is set to become a well known regional icon on the edge of the Caroline Bay reserve.