By Cummings Studio Architects
Pragmatics and the New Zealand water hole
This project looks to address a number of pragmatic requirements for the needs of a learn to swim aquatic centre. Two pools; one for toddlers and one for advanced children through to swim squads were to be incorporated in this purpose-built facility. Thermal performance and the use of a geothermal bore for both heating of the pool and the ambient air and pool surrounds look to address the biggest cost in the running of such facilities. These key economic drivers also drove the design where the heat exchanged heating capacity of the bore’s energy substantially reduces the ongoing running costs of the facility.
Other features such as indirect lighting as well as daylight harvesting allow for further opex savings.
On the fun side, the toddlers pool is set within a gardened edge at spectator seat level to give the fun idea of sitting in a New Zealand river water hole complete with native plants. This helps to soften the environment of the pool while also giving a nod to place and also to make the toddlers pool less daunting for small children.
Cummings Studio Architects Ltd is a small design practice based in Tauranga undertaking work across the Bay of Plenty and surrounds. Our focus is predominantly on residential work but we also work on small commercial, cultural, interior and retail projects.
The firm was established in 2012 by Camden and Peta Cummings, whom after working abroad for the past decade, have decided to bring their vast experience in architecture and interiors to the Bay of Plenty where they now call home, with their young family.
This husband and wife team consists of Camden and Peta Cummings; Camden being a fully qualified and registered architect, and Peta a qualified interior designer. This collection of skills enables us to think holistically in our approach to every project inside and out, from the largest context to the smallest interior detail across the whole gamut of architectural process.
Our commitment to each project means we only work on a small number of projects at any given time. Each project is worked on collaboratively in a studio environment and personally managed from start to finish. We work with locally sourced specialist consultants to support our project team where needed.
We are excited about our new practice and look forward to bringing a professional and fresh approach to the Bay of Plenty and beyond.