Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex
Aurora, ON
Year in Showcase: 2008
Project Description
"Clean" and "elegant" were two often-repeated words in the judges’ descriptions of the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex. Serving the need for year-round ice and swimming facilities, as well as children’s programming, the building is situated adjacent to a wooded river basin and uses the site topography to its greatest advantage. The building roofs and fenestrations are designed specifically for site orientation, presentation and interior functional requirements. The south and east glazed exterior walls of the natatorium and outdoor canopy create a public veranda that is consolidated with the main entry.
Inside, the grouping of aquatics and hockey via an open viewing lobby creates a liveliness and symbiosis that enhance public appreciation, while the translucent clerestory glazing and pre-engineered roof at the arena create a light-filled environment without the glare and soft ice often associated with daylighting in rinks.
Judges' Comments
The plan clearly defines circulation and access to all venues.
— Amado Fernandez
Appropriate use of pre-engineered structure over the ice pads is juxtaposed with the sophisticated wood and steel structure of the natatorium.
— John Kane
Very clean interior design that works well with the exterior. Crisp lines, deep overhangs and balance of exterior materials help make this a striking architectural statement.
— Frank Beans
Project Details
Architect of Record: MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects & NORR Limited
Funded By: Municipal funds
Major Facility Components: Natatorium, ice pads, team changing rooms, children’s area
Construction Cost: $19.5 million (Canadian)
Square Feet: 106,500
Occupancy: September 2006
Vendors
Handicapped Equipment:
Aquatic Access Inc.
Lockers: Shanahan's Manufacturing
Shower/Toilet Partitions: Hadrian Inc.
Strength Equipment:
Atlantis Inc.
Water Play Features: Duraflex Int'l Corp.
Water Play Features: Vortex Aquatic Structures Int'l Inc.
