Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre

The Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) renewal delivers a modern, state-of-the-art facility combining aquatic and fitness & wellness amenities.

The aquatic offerings include an upgraded outdoor 50 m pool, a 25 m indoor lane pool, a warm-water pool, a leisure pool, a splash pad, and a learn-to-swim pool. The fitness and wellness spaces feature multi-purpose areas for group fitness and yoga, a fully equipped fitness centre, and consulting rooms for allied health professionals.

In response to the City of Darebin’s 2017-2022 Climate Emergency Plan, the council committed to achieving a 6-star Green Star rating; a challenging target for an energy-intensive aquatic centre. TTW addressed this through:

• Innovative structural and civil design, material selection, and detailed engineering to protect the building’s thermal envelope and reduce energy use.
• Sustainability is central to the design, with timber used extensively in the main pool hall. Large double Glulam beams frame the roof while concealing services, and Dowel Laminated Timber (DLT) is adopted for the ceiling, combining structural, acoustic, and thermal performance with a striking architectural finish.
• The civil design follows best-practice stormwater management principles, and all materials and systems have been selected to minimise the carbon footprint during construction and operation, while creating a low-maintenance, welcoming environment.