In the middle After another hot summer, a trip to the pool is even more tempting when the pool in question is architecturally designed. This collection of award-winning and recently opened swimming spots will have you swimming in no time.
Winner of the National Award for Public Architecture at this year's Australian Institute of Architects Awards, the Paramatta Aquatic Center is a must-see this summer. The pool sits like a sunken circular courtyard on Mays Hill – opposite the railway line of the suburb's parkland and Old Government House, on land that has been inhabited by the Burramattagal people for over 60,000 years. By sinking the pool and its program into the ground, the architects have preserved the historic hilltop views while creating a unique community landscape equipped with three pools, sauna and spa facilities, a gym and a café.
Oran Park Leisure Center by Warren and Mahoney
The recently opened Oran Park Leisure Center offers a heated 50 meter indoor swimming pool, leisure pool and toddler paddling pool in Sydney's south west. Located under the massive wooden beams, the water area is connected. The recreational pool features a lazy river inspired by the original Oran Park Raceway – now affectionately known as the Rapid River. Warren and Mahoney deputy director Claire Matheson said the project offered an opportunity to help shape a new urban experience for the fast-growing suburb. “Our design theme of ‘Sport on Display’ fits perfectly with Camden Council’s desire to promote the importance of physical activity.”
Also from Warren and Mahoney, the redevelopment of Northcotes Aquatic and Recreation Center in Melbourne's north-east is the perfect beach resort for locals. The brick and timber structure was designed to harmonize with the surrounding residential character of the suburb, while on the roof a large solar array distributes energy throughout the building. The designers' goal of minimizing the carbon footprint during construction was achieved through careful material selection and integration of energy efficient systems. Inside, a warm wooden structure houses a learn-to-swim pool, a warm water pool for rehabilitation and exercise with an integrated spa, a children's water play area with water slides, and steam and sauna rooms.
ARM's BEST Hub won an interior design award and an educational architecture commendation at the institute's NSW Architecture Awards earlier this year. The interior design jury praised the project for welcoming “ […] the community with infectious energy and joy, redefining and expanding the expectations of its use.” The building’s curved and colorful shape is paired with an equally impressive, tactile materiality. Elements reminiscent of Indian temples, Turkish bathhouses and Chinese gardens were incorporated by the design team to celebrate the community's multiculturalism. In the aquatic area there are hot and cold plunge pools as well as a two-level pool for physical relaxation and learning-to-swim activities for the little ones.
For those looking for a slightly different “pool” experience, the Alba Thermal Springs and Spa complex on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula offers the ultimate day trip. Nestled within a regenerative coastal bushland landscape, the project's 32 geothermal pools reflect the region's changing geology, rapidly changing weather and seasonal flora and fauna. Hayball project manager Eugene Chieng noted that the design is characterized by restraint and sophistication, combining “inspiring and functional.” According to Chieng, the project’s curved architectural forms “ […] Try to seek out moments of contemplation and recalibration of yourself.”
Located an hour's drive south of Perth, this iconic sea basin won the Award of Excellence in the Tourism category at the 2024 Western Australia Landscape Architecture Awards. In fact, the definition of what a “pool” is is a bit loose here, as the project's circular floating pontoon has no net attached to it. The project was named by the site's traditional owners Bindjareb Boodja and translates to “dolphin waters” – a reference to the likelihood of encountering wildlife, such as a group of dolphins, while swimming. With a maximum depth of 4.5 meters, the pool is suitable for all ages – the little ones can have fun in the shallow water while the older ones jump into the deep water.
