Alkimos Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Alkimos
AquaticCapabilitiesExpertiseGlass Fibre Reinforced PolymerInnovationPermanent Form Concrete Walling systemPost tension slab designRecreationalSporting complexesSwimming Pools
Details
Completed : 2024
Collaborators : Christou Design Group, Carruthers Contracting
As Stage 1 of a $55M Masterplan grant by the WA State Government to improve the popular Perth Zoo facilities, this new $12.9M entertainment precinct saw Airey Taylor Consulting provide Structural and Civil Engineering services to achieve the vision of frequent design collaborator, Christou Design Studio.
The development comprises of two buildings – the Function Centre, located next to Labouchere Road in South Perth, is a single storey building including approximately 1,300m² of floor space with a series of external courtyards; and the new Cafe, located between exhibits on the main lawn including approximately 440m² floor area of a single-storey dining facility with panoramic external shaded dining and circulation deck.
Structural response to the setting was the key aesthetic driver for the design team, with the buildings interfacing with the landscape and flora of the Perth Zoo to seamlessly introduce the new development into the overall experience for visitors. Although both buildings maintain aesthetic continuity through their chosen materials, their characters are distinctly different. The Function Centre presents itself as a dynamic, public-facing structure oriented towards Labouchere Road, while the Café is gently nestled within the landscape, serving as a discreet enhancement to the Zoo visitors’ experience.
The function centre offered some structural challenges with function rooms contained within a 20 metre by 16 metre floor plan with an operable wall dividing the areas. Likewise, the meeting rooms were separated by an operable wall. The roof construction was trusses supporting these operable walls, rafters and purlins.
The main entry feature is cement stablised limestone rammed earth walls; a technology pioneered in Australia by Airey Taylor Consulting in the mid-1970’s and since adopted nationwide.
Due to the existing trees being close to the new building it was agreed that surefoot foundations would be use to limit intrusions into the tree roots. These were successfully installed.
Airey Taylor Consulting congratulates Christou Design Studio on their beautiful and engaging design and we look forward to supporting them in their new endeavours.
