Klay is proud to have played a key role in the delivery of yet another Ivanhoe Grammar build; the Coonawarra William Aquatic Centre; a contemporary, purpose-built facility that supports the physical and mental wellbeing of students and the wider Ivanhoe Grammar community. Designed by Peddle Thorp Architects, the project sets a new benchmark for educational aquatic centres, combining architectural sophistication with environmental sustainability and functional longevity.
To meet the centre’s demanding performance requirements and aesthetic goals, Klay Tiles supplied a selection of Agrob Buchtal tiles across both the pool interiors and surrounds. Each tile was chosen to support the project’s design intent while withstanding the daily demands and safety requirements of a busy aquatic facility. Agrob Buchtal’s Area Pro was used across the pool surrounds, offering a slip-resistant finish ideal for wet areas with high foot traffic. Its natural textures and warm tones contribute to the calming, wellness-oriented environment of the centre. Agrob Buchtal Chroma was selected for the interior of the pools, providing excellent durability, chemical resistance, and long-term colour stability under constant water immersion.
As part of our ongoing collaboration with Ivanhoe Grammar, this project builds on previous successes, such as our work on the Ivanhoe Grammar Sports and Aquatic Centre project, further reinforcing Klay’s commitment to excellence in educational infrastructure.
The versatility of Agrob Buchtal’s Area Pro range was another key factor in its specification. Available in a variety of formats and slip ratings, the range allowed the design team to tailor surfaces according to each zone’s specific functional and safety requirements. From walkways and changing areas to transition zones between wet and dry spaces, Area Pro provided a consistent aesthetic while ensuring compliance with all relevant standards. This flexibility proved essential in maintaining both visual harmony and practical performance across the expansive facility.
To suit the demands of the project, made Agrob Buchtal’s tiles an easy selection. The selected tiles are enhanced with innovative Hytect surface technology, and used on high-demand interior surfaces. This intelligent coating uses light to break down pollutants, repel dirt, and inhibit the growth of bacteria and mould. For a space where hygiene, safety, ease of maintenance, and air quality are crucial, Hytect adds long-term value and aligns with the centre’s ESD (Environmentally Sustainable Design) ambitions.
There is a strong inverse correlation between slip resistance and surface cleanability which are two factors essential in aquatic environments. Traditionally, achieving high slip resistance has come at the cost of increased maintenance, with rougher surfaces being more difficult and costly to clean. However, the integration of Hytect Technology addresses this challenge by offering a surface that is both slip-resistant and easy to maintain. This innovation eliminates the need to compromise between safety and upkeep. Comparative cost studies have shown that Hytect Ceramic Tiles not only enhance hygiene and cleanliness but also lead to substantial long-term savings in maintenance. This reinforces the importance of considering both safety, maintaining slip resistance, and lifecycle costs when selecting flooring solutions for high-use aquatic facilities.
This project’s focus on environmental responsibility is evident not only in its solar harvesting and water-saving systems, but also in its material selection. Klay products contribute to this strategy by offering long product lifespans, low-maintenance finishes, and surfaces that minimise chemical cleaning requirements; critical for reducing the environmental impact of ongoing operations.
Another standout feature of the project is the fully integrated wet deck, constructed using Agrob Buchtal’s Finland system, a proven solution specifically engineered for high-performance aquatic environments. Designed to optimise water circulation, drainage, and swimmer safety, the Finland system offers a modular, visually clean edge detail that complements the pool’s overall design language. Combined with Area Pro tiles in surrounding zones, the system delivers both functional excellence and aesthetic cohesion. Its precise engineering and high slip resistance contribute to a safe, hygienic, and low-maintenance environment, demonstrating how innovative tile systems can enhance both form and function in contemporary aquatic design.
Klay worked closely with Peddle Thorp Architects, Building Engineering, and tiling contractor Ceramic Solutions to deliver a surface solution that was practical, durable, and visually refined. The result is a centre that balances functionality and form, supporting the school’s commitment to healthy, active lifestyles and future-focused education. We are proud to have contributed our expertise and product knowledge to a project that so clearly demonstrates how thoughtful design and premium materials can create lasting community impact at Ivanhoe Grammar.
ArchitectPeddle ThorpProductAgrob Buchtal – Area Pro
Agrob Buchtal – Chroma
Agrob Buchtal – Plural
