The combination of soaring timber beams and large glazed aluminium facades connect this new swimming pool complex with its natural surrounds in the western foothills of Canberra. As well as looking good, the pairing of large timber beams made from glulam (glued laminated timber) with expansive aluminium window and door framing from Alspec, ensures the facility is more than equipped to endure the potentially corrosive indoor pool environment.

Built by Kane Construction, ACT, the centre is located on the eastern slopes of Mt Stromlo and houses an eight-lane 50m lap pool, a 20m multi-purpose pool, a children’s splash park, exercise and rehabilitation areas, and ancillary services including a creche and café.

Glulam, used for the structural beams, struts and purlins of the centre’s roof, is an engineered product made by combining smaller pieces of seasoned timber into larger, stronger timber lengths. Both glulam and aluminium window framing are stable, reliable, low maintenance products ideal for coping with the potentially corrosive indoor swimming pool environment.

The building includes floor-to-ceiling glazed facades facing north, south and east, and narrower high-up windows on the western perimeter facing Mt Stromlo. As well as providing all day-long access to natural light and views over the Molonglo Valley, the aluminium window framing ensures the building is well insulated and protected from the elements.

Three key Alspec framing products were used across the development based on properties required in each location:

• ecoWALL® 225 Flush Glazed Framing: this product delivers a complete structural framing system ideal for high-ceiling expansive interior spaces and can reduce the amount of steel framing support required. With a 225mm x 60mm profile, it has the structural integrity of 250mm equivalents and can be used for single or double glazing.
• Hunter Evo Flush Glazed Framing: this versatile system is available in 101.6mm and 150 mm depths, can house single or double glazing, and with its straight cuts and flush finish provides a contemporary exterior finish.
• McArthur Evo Centre Pocket Framing System: this style of framing, where the glass is slid into a 3-sided “pocket” provided by the aluminium frame, offers lower installation costs and provides security benefits. It comes in two frame depths, 101.6mm or 150mm x 44.5mm.

For access to the facility and for internal room connections throughout, Swan Evo 45mm Commercial Doors were selected. A popular choice in high-use environments, Swan aluminium doors are extremely durable and can be configured in hinged, pivoted or sliding options as appropriate for each space.

Project Name: Stromlo Leisure Centre
Project Address: Corner of Uriarra Road and, Dave McInnes Rd, Stromlo ACT 2611
Architect: Cox Architecture
Builder: Kane Constructions
Fabricator: ABS Façade
Applied Finish: Ultriva Precis Black Ink, Scintillating Champagne Matt
Photography: Martin Ollman

Alspec Products Used:
ecoWALL 225
Hunter Evo 150mm Double Flush Glazed Framing
McArthur Evo 150mm Centre Pocket Framing