2017 Archive : Cockburn Aquatic & Recreation Centre

Project Details

Fabric 1

ETFE
Producer: seele cover GmbH
Supplier: seele cover GmbH

Engineer Company 1
seele cover GmbH

Design Company
Fabritecture Australia Pty Ltd

Architect Company
DWP / Seuters

Fabrication Company
seele cover GmbH

Subcontractor Company
Fabritecture Australia Pty Ltd

Graphics Company
seele cover GmbH

Project Manager Company
Fabritecture Australia Pty Ltd

Installation Company
Fabritecture Australia Pty Ltd

Please describe the project specifications

Cockburn Aquatic and Recreational Centre in Perth, Australia is currently undergoing a $109 million redevelopment, providing state-of-the-art facilities to Cockburn Central West.
The project scope included the design and construction of 10 ETFE skylights to be inlaid into the sloping roof of Cockburn ARC.

What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

The client requested a skylight solution for the ARC redevelopment that complimented the architecture of the facilities. The solution had to be aesthetic, yet practical and provide plenty of natural light transmission into the area below. The ETFE pillows span across the forecourt of the aquatic centre.
There were 3 separate designs for the skylights, alternating between double and triple-layered ETFE cushions to fill the 10 skylight positions.

What is unique or complex about the project?

The overall design of the project was very unique-looking. The ETFE used in the skylights is white. This colour was chosen to allow maximum light transmission through, while protecting the area underneath from strong heat and UV transmissions.
Random pillows with various shapes and orientations set into a sloping roof structure create the scene for the new ARC facilities.
The skylights are embedded into a 4-degree sloping roof and feature 2-part ETFE clip-on extrusions and a blower unit. This solution required a unique assembly technique, and it was the first time this had been done.

What were the results of the project?

The completion of the newly developed Cockburn ARC is set to provide Cockburn Central West with new state-of-the-art aquatic and recreational facilities, as well as become home to the Fremantle Football Club.
The project was delivered on time with minimal requests for QA or safety documentation. The site crew worked very efficiently, finishing their work on site before scheduled completion.
The client was incredibly pleased with the end result of this project. The skylights are a terrific addition to the centre, and provide plenty of natural lighting into the facility.

Content is submitted by the participant. IFAI is not responsible for the content descriptions of the IAA award winners.