Hawkes Bay Regional Aquatic Centre

Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre is a top-tier training facility to host national and international swimming events.

Powell Fenwick was engaged by Apollo Projects to provide all engineering services for the facility, which includes an Olympic-sized competition lap pool, a 25-metre-long pool and a hydrotherapy centre.

Sustainability was at the forefront of this build – achieved using renewable aggregates, high quality insulation and other materials with low carbon footprints. Low power consumption LED lighting ensured high lighting levels for broadcasting events, while space was allocated for solar panel installation.

The mechanical team rose to the challenge of designing for Hastings’ warm and humid climate, with the heating, cooling and dehumidification systems requiring a complex design to achieve operationally efficient outcomes.

Mechanical systems chosen utilise a variety of air and water source heat pump technology – providing efficiencies of 300 percent to 500 percent – with capacity to provide heating to the pool water, pool air and the amenity spaces within the building. In addition, the design incorporates free cooling for the facility as a by-product of heating generation.

These and other features ensure a more sustainable design while offering the best in building comfort – so your only concern is getting in those laps!