NewsPerspectives
Designing for health, wellbeing, and connection: The future of sport and aquatic spaces
Hiwa - The University of Auckland Recreation Centre Completed 2025
World-leading tertiary institutions are defined not only by academic excellence but also by the quality of the on-campus experience. Research shows that participation in sport, leisure and fitness increases retention and translates into better academic performance, a greater sense of community and increased social connection. Hiwa - the University of Auckland’s innovative 8-storey “stacked” Recreation Hub, is a strategic investment by the university in holistic student wellbeing and success. It’s a world-class facility befitting a global top 100-ranked university.
Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre Completed 2024
Recipient of three highly prestigeous awards - the international Rethinking the Future Global Architecture and Design Awards, the Australian Sport, Recreation and Play Innovation Awards, and Aquatics and Recreation Victoria - the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) is proudly Australia's first 6 Star Green Star, all-electric facility.
Aquatic centres are known to be one of the most energy intensive building typologies. They operate 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and require immense energy to maintain pool temperature and condition. From the outset, NARC was identified as an opportunity to become a sustainability exemplar, demonstrating how through innovation, commitment and partnership, we can drive better value for money, better environmental performance, and stewardship of our resources.
Presbyterian Ladies College Joan Montgomery Centre Completed 2025
Named in honour of dedicated former Principal Joan Montgomery AM OBE, the centre features a 50 metre heated pool, a learn to swim pool, a fully equipped gym and multi-purpose sports courts. It also includes a dance and movement space, and dedicated fitness area, all designed to enhance the physical education experience.
The design focuses on creating a seamless connection between the campus and the new centre. Well-placed entrances, open sightlines, and welcoming pathways inspire curiosity and invite exploration. The design equally respects privacy, with distinct ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ areas that ensure users of the sports hall are visually separated from the swimming areas, yet still maintain an integrated feel.
Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre Completion: 2025
As the largest aquatic and indoor recreation venue of its kind in New Zealand, this centre is testament to our commitment to providing world-class facilities that meet the needs of Canterbury’s leisure, educational, and high-performance sporting communities. The name Parikiore was gifted to the facility by local rūnanga Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri, paying homage to the youngest son of Ngāi Tahu chief Tūrākautahi - renowned for his amazing running speed and athleticism. His physical and mental attributes are an example of the aspirations for this facility – exemplifying health, sporting excellence, and wellbeing.
Adelaide Aquatic Centre Completion: End of 2025
The Adelaide Aquatic Centre Development, designed by Warren and Mahoney in association with JPE Design Studio, is a project of State significance - one which will define sports engagement and participation for the city for generations to come.
Providing a benchmark sports and wellness hub for community and performance for all South Australians, the facility will include a 50-metre, 10-lane indoor pool, a 25-metre, an 8-lane outdoor pool, a dedicated indoor rehabilitation pool, a dedicated learn to swim pool, an outdoor lagoon pool, diving facilities, indoor and outdoor water play areas, spa, sauna and steam room facilities, gym and fitness facilities, cafe, barbecue, and lawned areas, and inclusive amenities and change rooms.
Oran Park Leisure Centre Completed 2024
Oran Park Leisure Centre provides a civic heart for this rapidly growing, vibrant community in Sydney's southwest. This project is a community catalyst, providing world-class sport and recreation facilities for people of all backgrounds and physical abilities. We are immensely proud to have partnered with Camden Council to provide this amazing amenity for the local community.
Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club + Amenities Building Completed 2021
In designing a new facility for the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club, we knew that community buy-in and ownership would be vital. The new building needed to meet all the practical requirements, be flexible for a wide range of uses, and be a focus for community pride. Our solution was a world-class yet genuinely local design that redefines the concept of a traditional surf life saving club.
The new club building is an enduring legacy and something the whole community can be proud of. It’s wonderful to see the new venues open at this spectacular location.” Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan
Bronte Surf LIfe Saving Club Under Construction
Warren and Mahoney designed the new facility, in close collaboration with Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, Waverley Council, and the local community. The design was also inspired by Country in partnership with Greenaway Architects and Greenshoot Consulting and the result is a visually stunning and modern multi-purpose building, complete with a rooftop garden offering priceless ocean views.
“The new club will feature enhanced lifeguard operational facilities, public amenities, lifesaving infrastructure and more inclusive spaces for the thousands of volunteers, members and beachgoers who visit each year,” said Mayor, Will Nemesh.
