The Norlane Aquatic Recreation Centre in Victoria has been named the winner of the Celebrating ZENITH® category at the 2024 Lysaght Inspirations Design Awards. This award recognises outstanding use of Lysaght’s premium ZENITH® range of steel roofing and walling.
The innovative design by architectural firm ARCH, which integrates LYSAGHT IMPERIAL™ to enhance both aesthetics and performance, stood out to the judges as a prime example of design excellence, sustainability, and community impact.
Serving as a community hub, the centre offers state-of-the-art aquatic facilities, a gym, childcare spaces, and a multi-purpose community hall, providing vital services to people of all ages and abilities. The centre’s achievement of a 5-Star Green Star Design rating demonstrates its commitment to sustainability, making it a model of environmentally responsible civic architecture.
Award-Winning Design: The Power of IMPERIAL™
The Celebrating ZENITH® category recognises projects that make exceptional use of Lysaght’s premium steel building products, and the Norlane Aquatic Recreation Centre excelled in its application of IMPERIAL™. Judges praised the seamless integration of the product into the building’s roofing and walling, which enhanced both its striking aesthetic and superior thermal performance. These qualities contributed significantly to the centre’s energy efficiency and sustainability success.
The judges highlighted the project’s visual appeal, practical design, and community impact as key reasons for its selection, with the innovative use of IMPERIAL™ seen as pivotal in delivering an energy-efficient and cohesive design.
ARCH’s Vision for Community Wellbeing
Behind this award-winning project is specialist design firm ARCH, renowned for creating community-focused architecture. ARCH designs spaces that enhance human experiences and provide tangible benefits to local communities, and the Norlane Aquatic Recreation Centre is no exception.
From the outset, ARCH conducted extensive community consultation to ensure the centre would meet the diverse needs of its users. This resulted in a facility that promotes health, wellbeing, and social connection. The centre features a variety of aquatic options, including lap pools, waterplay areas, and a learn-to-swim pool, as well as a mezzanine-level gym that overlooks the aquatic facilities.
This thoughtful design creates an inclusive environment that fosters both physical activity and relaxation, catering to all members of the community.
Sustainability at the Core: 5-Star Green Star Rating
Achieving a 5-Star Green Star Design rating was a key objective for ARCH, and the use of IMPERIAL™ to wrap around the building was integral to this success.
“We designed Norlane Aquatic Recreation Centre with a high-performance building envelope, including a high level of insulation, high-performance glazing and reduced thermal bridging, beyond code requirements,” explained Michael Hegarty, CEO of ARCH.
“The application of the ZENITH® product greatly facilitated thermal performance and airtightness,” Hegarty continued. The result has set a new standard for energy-efficient aquatic centres.
Recognising Excellence and Innovation
For its innovative design and effective use of Lysaght products, ARCH was awarded a $5,000 cash prize, solidifying its reputation for sustainable, community-focused architecture.
“It is a privilege to be chosen for this award,” said Michael Hegarty. “ARCH has specified Lysaght's products across multiple projects nationally, appreciating their adaptability, resilience, and strong aesthetic characteristics.”
As the Norlane Aquatic Recreation Centre continues to be a centre of community activity and pride, its influence on future civic projects will be far-reaching. It stands as proof that when great design, sustainability, and community needs are aligned, the result can be truly transformative.
