An existing aquatic center, ice arena and curling rink were incorporated along with major facility enhancements to turn the Leduc Recreation Centre into one of the largest recreation centers in the province of Alberta. Twin ice arenas, twin field houses, locker rooms and a fitness center are linked by a public concourse on the first and second floors, while a four-lane track occupies its own third level.
A curved ribbon of tinted curtainwall glazing links the major components, while interior and exterior architecture are blended through the use of exterior finishes and color schemes. Through the design and orientation of the building, the facility complements the adjacent recreation sites.
The interior concept and finish selections provided continuity from indoors to outdoors, using stone, heavy timber and themed public areas to create a warm, inviting motif. The interior’s earth tones are complemented by the exterior finishes. Heavy timbers used in the exterior canopy and other feature exterior structures are visible inside as well, and there is a humanistic interpretation of the concourse columns from the entry throughout the main concourse.
With a focus on sustainability, the new ice plant was coupled with a heat recovery system that recaptures and reuses waste heat to warm domestic hot water throughout the new facility and to heat the floors, various interior spaces and the front entrance walks to prevent ice buildup.