Background
Emerging from within the picturesque setting of Happy Home Reserve, the Salisbury Aquatic Centre has been a beloved community hub for decades, and has recently undergone comprehensive redevelopment spearheaded by the City of Salisbury and the Government of South Australia.
Driven by a vision to create a state-of-the-art aquatic centre that answered the needs of its community, the project set out to create facilities that catered to a range of fun, fitness, and educational activities. “The primary goal was to create a multifunctional facility that would serve various community needs,” explains Susan Powell, Project Leader with City Collective, the practice behind the project.
Susan explains that the design prioritised equity, accessibility and inclusion, with sustainability as another essential criteria for the project. “Integrating environmental considerations into the design was a key principle,” Susan notes. “This included energy-efficient systems, water-saving technologies, and the use of sustainable materials.”
Opened in June 2024, this vibrant community hub offers a diverse range of attractions to engage people of all ages throughout the year – and help establish stronger connections to the surrounding neighbourhood.
Challenge
With such an ambitious scope, bringing the highly-considered design vision for the centre to life didn’t come without its challenges.
First of all, ensuring the seamless integration of various building components and systems was crucial to the project’s success. Plus, it was paramount to specify enduring and high-performing materials that could withstand the demanding environment of a pool hall, while meeting environmental, aesthetic and functional requirements. “The detail of the vapour barrier was pivotal in ensuring the protection of the fixings and the steel behind the lining,” Susan remarks.
Solution
Overcoming these challenges called for a combination of technical expertise, innovative materials, and close collaboration between suppliers, and the project team turned to Rondo and Himmel, renowned for their expertise and innovative solutions.
“We chose Rondo and Himmel due to their trusted reputations,” Susan explains. “Their prior relationship with each other was a crucial factor, aiding in the development of detailed specifications and ensuring comprehensive warranties.”
Rondo’s KEY-LOCK® Ceiling System with a 64mm Furring Channel and Himmel’s Troldtekt Acoustic Panels with a K5 Edge were both specified for the project. The KEY-LOCK® system is designed to produce a high-quality structure, while the Troldtekt panels are resistant to moisture and suitable for installation in spaces with up to 98% humidity (+/- 2%). That makes them ideal for environments where both acoustics and proximity to water are essential considerations. Together, they provided a reliable combination of durability, sustainability, acoustic performance, and aesthetic appeal.
“Both Rondo and Himmel actively participated in workshops, providing valuable advice throughout the process,” Susan adds. “Their involvement in the journey and, crucially, in the actual specification writing enabled them to offer a written warranty that acknowledged each other’s contributions.”
This collaborative approach helped ensure that the detail of the vapour barrier was expertly taken care of. “When construction commenced, representatives from Rondo, CSR, and the building trades were on-site to discuss the installation and make necessary adjustments,” Susan adds. “We have been very happy with the result and have enjoyed working with both parties.”
The Salisbury Aquatic Centre showcases the transformative power of collaboration, innovative design, and high-quality materials that honour the building’s holistic life cycle. Thanks to the dedication of the project team, this cherished community hub is set to thrive for generations to come, providing space for recreation, wellness, and social interaction for the evolving community.
