By Architecture HDT
For St Cuthbert’s College, the Centennial Centre is fulfilling its proposed holistic role, encouraging every student to reach her potential, with “a strong mind in a healthy body.”
The Centre incorporates a 25m competition pool, a separate Learners Pool, Fitness Centre and student support services.
Design consistency and a clear articulation of building elements gives legibility to the pool, fitness centre and student support area. The extensive use of glazing allows the upper level to ‘float’ above the transparent base. Laminated timbers also feature – 34m-long glulaminated beams support the roof of the complex, while the western elevation features glulaminated fins.
Cutting edge design and the latest technology was incorporated throughout the centre, including hydraulic and mechanical services. The Lane Pool features a moveable floor that can be raised and lowered to give flexibility to the pool use, allowing lane swimming, advanced learn to swim, Flippaball, Water Polo and Canoe Polo. Both pools use the Natare pool integrated gutter and filtration system, providing great water quality and an attractive and robust stainless steel pool edge.
Architecture HDT is a mid-size architectural practice with offices in Wellington, Christchurch, and Hawke’s Bay. We have an established track record of delivering high-quality architectural projects throughout New Zealand with particular expertise in Sport and Aquatic facilities (out of the Wellington and Christchurch offices) and Healthcare (Hawke’s Bay office).