Chimo Aquatic and Fitness Centre

Construction Cost: $13.8 million
Area / Square Feet: 38,000
Occupancy Date: February 2007

The Chimo Aquatic and Fitness Centre is situated adjacent to the existing Coquitlam Sports Centre and replaced the original Chimo Pool across the street.

Sustainable solutions are found throughout the facility. Multilevel operable overhead doors on both ends of the natatorium create natural cross-ventilation, reducing demand on the already efficient air-to-air heat exchange and dehumidification equipment; roof-mounted solar panels provide preheating for pool tanks; an overflow parking area features permeable surfacing; and bioswales reduce the rainwater discharge demand on storm sewers. All major landscaping elements were specified to minimize the impact on the natural habitat, and species indigenous to the Coquitlam area were chosen.

Key building features include a leisure pool, a 25-meter lap pool with 1- and 3-meter competition springboards, a hot pool, a steam room and a dry sauna. The 300-square-meter leisure pool is separated from the lap pool by the main north-facing central skylight, which allows diffuse light to filter into the space. The leisure pool contains a 20-meter warm lap area, a large beach entry, a lazy river, tot bubblers, spray arches, belle sprays, and a geyser ring. Health and wellness components include therapy rails, therapeutic sprays and an upper-level fitness area overlooking the natatorium.

Judge's Comments

An elegant solution that clothes a simple plan and program in a well-apportioned structure with a lot of natural light and visual interest.
— Bob McDonald

The structure doesn't just shelter the swimming pools — it interacts with the environment to provide fresh air when desired, water heating when the sun's out and the most appropriate natural light during any time of the day.
— Mike Pratl

The material palette is cool and metallic, and the exterior elevations are considered in a canonical modern style of levitating planes and horizontal window bands.
— Vik Jaunkalns