Brimbank Aquatic Wellness Centre, is a world class, intergenerational regional level aquatic, health and preventative health hub. It is Australia’s first fully electric and the first zero emissions aquatic centre powered by renewable energy, 6 Star Green Star accredited aquatic centre (design and as built tool V1.2).

The conceptual framework for the centre was an ‘oasis’ – a place of shelter and respite responding to Brimbank’s dry, hot climate and its high social need. The underlying principle was to destigmatise access to preventative health services, counseling and support services. It was important that the centre had a single entry and architectural identity, and that it welcomed all community members to feel comfortable, be encouraged to stay, linger, and connect with staff and friends while accessing services. Low swimming ability was another identified need in the community. Particular attention was given to designing the pools to facilitate learn-to-swim classes and safety for young children as they learn to play safely in the water. Poor mental and physical health indicators in the community demonstrated the need for a large warm water program pool for rehabilitation and exercise classes. This was also the rationale for inclusion of partner community services to deliver integrated outcomes for the community.

Photography by Dianna Snape

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Furniture: Form+Function (formerly Baseline Commercial Furniture). Lighting: Darkon. Finishes: Forbo, Integra Surfaces, Interface, Ampelite, Metz, Nellakir, Regupol, Polyflor, Monotek, Benchtop City, AMF, Luxalon, Altro, Laminex, Autex, Woven Image, Fibonacci Stone, Siniat, Instyle, Armstrong Ceilings, Dekton , Askin, Capral, Fielders. Fittings & Fixtures: Caroma, Enware, Metlam, CHS Healthcare, Gojo, JD McDonald, Tork, Dyson, Britex, Hafele, Thornthwaite Technologies, Aquabubbler, Zip, Fisher and Paykel, Westinghouse, Skope.