Grandview Heights Aquatic Center has plenty of water, with a FINA-standard 50-yard lap pool capable of hosting regional, national and international swimming and diving competitions, as well as a leisure pool and two hot tubs. But it’s what stretches above these surfaces that garnered the greatest attention from judges.
The world’s longest-span timber catenary roof allowed for the clear spans required for pools while allowing for a very shallow structure, reducing the building volume and its material and energy costs. The undulating roof rises high enough to accommodate an Olympic diving platform on one end and a waterslide on the other in a way that one judge said, “energizes a typical competitive natatorium.
Log in to view the full article
Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre | Surrey, B.C.
Grandview Heights Aquatic Center has plenty of water, with a FINA-standard 50-yard lap pool capable of hosting regional, national and international swimming and diving competitions, as well as a leisure pool and two hot tubs. But it’s what stretches above these surfaces that garnered the greatest attention from judges.
The world’s longest-span timber catenary roof allowed for the clear spans required for pools while allowing for a very shallow structure, reducing the building volume and its material and energy costs. The undulating roof rises high enough to accommodate an Olympic diving platform on one end and a waterslide on the other in a way that one judge said, “energizes a typical competitive natatorium.
“The undulating and warped ceiling forms define the two different pool areas within this dynamic aquatics center.” — Philip Laird
“The design rests on a highly sculptural building section and the definition of a structurally innovative technology. Extensive glazing complements this bold sculpture.” — Jeff Penner
“Dramatic wood structure threads its way through the length of this large facility, unifying it. Wonderful and welcoming transparency.” — Dave Larson
Architect of Record: HCMA Architecture + Design | Vancouver, B.C.
Cost: $46 million (Canadian)
Square Footage: 94,180
Funded By: Government funds
Major Facility Components: 50-meter lap pool with diving platforms, leisure pool, hot tubs, sauna, fitness center
A big thank you to our seven judges: Katie Barnes, Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture; David Body, David Body Sports Planning Consultant; Tracy Carusi, Collins Cooper Carusui Architects; Greg Houston, Marmon Mok Architecture; Philip Laird, ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge; Dave Larson, TMP Architecture.; and Jeff Penner, Stantec
The 2016 Athletic Business® Facilities of Merit® awards were selected by a panel of sports and recreation facility architects during two days of judging in Madison, Wis. The 10 winners are being announced during these two weeks, and profiles of all 10 will appear in the October issue of Athletic Business. The awards will be presented to the facility owners and architects at the Athletic Business Show in Orlando on Friday, Nov. 18.
