The Stromlo Leisure Centre (SLC) is positioned proudly on Mount Stromlo and integrates seamlessly with its surrounding. Delivered under a Design and Construct contract model in late 2020, Kane Constructions partnered with Cox Architecture to create a new look and standard for leisure centres around Australia.
The strategic location of the SLC café with North-East views attracts the wider public, adding to the building’s feat of being more than a leisure centre, however a destination in its own right. The now-iconic 47-metre Glue Laminated (Glulam) timber beams, engineered in Australia and manufactured in Northern Italy by Rubner Holzbau, span over the pool concourse. To date, the SLC is the longest spanning Glulam structure in Australia. Spanning over the 50-metre pool concourse, the beams reduced the need for columns, eliminating the risk of corrosion from humidity and chlorine often found in a leisure centre’s structure.
The final result is more than a leisure centre, it’s a leading example of quality workmanship and architecture shaping Canberra’s future. It has raised the standards and innovations of what a pool could and should be like. From Government ministers, swim teams, gym users, families, leisure centre staff, to passing Mount Stromlo cyclists, this project has exceeded expectations. The entire facility has been designed and constructed with an eye for detail and a strong sense of place.
The Master Builders and Asset Construction Hire Excellence Awards showcase outstanding projects in the civil, commercial and residential construction industry. The SLC project has been nominated as a finalist, and winning projects will be announced at the upcoming awards night being held on the 22 October at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.
Kane’s ACT General Manager Jo Farrell says:
“We are so proud of this project. The collaborative input from our client, project team, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers led to a leisure centre that is inviting, warm and most importantly, nestles harmoniously into the Mount Stromlo landscape. We are thrilled this project is a finalist in two categories for the upcoming Master Builder and Asset Construction Hire Excellence Awards. We also congratulate Cox Architecture and one of our key subcontractors, Climatech on reaching finalist status.”
The Stromlo Leisure Centre has been nominated as a finalist in two categories:
• Commercial Buildings $20 million to $50 million
• Project Displaying Technical Difficulty or Innovation
Finalist professional categories:
• Architect Belinda Barnes from Cox Architecture, Professional of the Year, Stromlo Leisure Centre
• Climatech, Commercial Subcontractor of the Year, Stromlo Leisure Centre
We wish our team, and friends at Cox Architecture and Climatech the best of luck. We certainly enjoyed working with you - and our client - to construct this amazing facility.
Read more: Rubner Holzbau | RiotACT | Australian National Construction Review
