Most of the structure is steel framed, however the pool hall includes an engineered dowel-laminated timber (DLT) ceiling suspended over the pool from a timber beam structure. The concrete mixes achieved an average 30% cementitious replacement. The mechanical plant has used very low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. The project also incorporates many products with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

The building’s energy performance exceeds the minimum building code reference case by using passive design strategies, a high-performance envelope, all-electric, highly efficient mechanical plant and 450kW of solar PV and Green Power Purchase Agreement.

A life cycle assessment (LCA) of the building was undertaken to inform design choices around cement replacement and solar PV. The LCA demonstrated a reduction in all key environmental indicators. Stormwater management and water efficiency are improved using both rainwater and greywater systems.

180 Victoria Road, Northcote, Victoria

7,000 m2 floor area, 28,000 m2 site area

Owners – Darebin City Council

Architect – Warren and Mahoney

Builder – Kane Constructions

Project managers – City of Darebin

Structural engineering – Taylor Thomson Whitting

Environmental consulting – ARUP Group

Landscape architecture – Arcadia Landscape Architecture

Aquatic design services – Crackerjack Consulting Engineers 

Building services engineering (including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, fire protection, and audio-visual systems) – Introba 

Transport and Waste Management – Ratio Consultants

Acoustic – Marshall Day Acoustics

Certified 6 Star Green Star Design and As Built V1.3, targeting 8 points in GHG Emission category

Best practice envelope, high before airtightness targeting performance of 3m3/hr.m2@50Pa

All electric

100% Green Power Purchase Agreement

2025 – Parks and Leisure Australia VIC/TAS Region Awards – Community Facility of the Year

2024 – Victorian Premier Design Awards – Best in Category – Architectural Design

2024 – Disability Sport and Recreation Victoria Awards – Inclusive Sport and Recreational Facility

2024 – Australian Sport, Recreation and Play Innovation Awards – Overall Winner

2024 – Australian Sport, Recreation and Play Innovation Awards – Category Winner – Places and Spaces Design

2024 – Sustainability Awards Australia – Highly Commended

2024 – Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Construction Awards – Winner – Best Sustainable Project over $30M

2024 – Rethinking the Future Awards – Sport & Recreation – Built – Second Award

2024 Australian Institute of Architects – Victoria Chapter Awards – Sustainable Architecture – Finalist

This project has been assessed against the Elevating ESD Targets objectives and standards. It is considered to have met the objectives and/or all the standards in the following categories.

This all-electric facility takes a strategic approach to net zero emissions by applying the energy hierarchy – first reducing energy use, then using energy efficiently, and finally powering the building with renewables.  The building operates entirely on electricity, eliminating the need for gas and enabling a full shift to renewable energy through the combination of onsite renewables and a green power purchase agreement. Its passive design includes smart orientation within site constraints, high levels of insulation (roof R4, external walls R3.5), energy-efficient glazing (U-value 1.8), and excellent airtightness (~0.06 ACH in wet areas and .13 ACH in dry), all of which contribute to stable indoor temperatures and reduced energy use. Efficient systems include a large heat pump that heats the pool and hot water, delivering 2.6 to 3 times more energy than it consumes, and a open-balance control system that optimises airflow and indoor air quality. A 450kW rooftop solar system exceeds Elevating Targets minimum requirements and maximises the roof area. Remaining electricity needs are met through a Green Power Purchase Agreement with VECO, ensuring 100% renewable energy. These measures result in an 18% improvement in energy demand and a 22.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to a reference building.

A peer-reviewed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was undertaken to guide material selection and design decisions, resulting in a 44% overall reduction in embodied carbon. This included a 26% reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP) from cement replacement alone, using 35% fly-ash and 30% Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS) blends. The structure is primarily steel-framed, with the pool hall featuring low-carbon engineered timber elements, including a Dowel-Laminated Timber (DLT) ceiling and Glued Laminated Timber (GLT) beams. Durable materials were selected to minimise future replacement, and construction methods support future recycling and reuse. Design for disassembly principles were applied through the use of CLT and engineered timber. The project achieved a 92% demolition waste recycling rate and selected multiple products with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), including mass timber, carpets, acoustic finishes, façade panels, and bamboo flooring. High-efficiency solar PV panels were installed, and mechanical systems use low GWP refrigerants, further reducing both embodied and operational carbon impacts.

The project demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable water practices, achieving a 48% reduction in potable water use, well above the minimum 30% benchmark. It incorporates rainwater and greywater reuse systems, including 60kL of rainwater storage that services 100% of toilets and swimming pools, and 8kL of greywater collecting from the pools, sinks and showers is treated via reed beds for passive sub-surface irrigation, supporting efficient use and drought-tolerant landscaping. Additionally, the project achieves a 13.4% reduction in stormwater flow and improves stormwater quality through systems that remove common pollutants, helping protect local waterways and meet best practice standards.

A project-specific climate change risk and adaptation plan was developed and directly informed the building design. The building features a best practice envelope with high-performance airtightness and HVAC capacity to maintain indoor temperatures during future heatwave conditions. The site supports climate resilience through capacity to connect to a backup emergency generator and offers a community refuge during heatwave events. Pools provide seasonal relief from heat, while drought-tolerant landscaping and a greywater irrigation system ensure greenery is maintained during dry periods, supporting a cool and comfortable public environment. Between 90–100% of the site comprises building and landscape elements that reduce solar reflectance and heat absorption. Measures include an established tree canopy over the carpark, passively irrigated lawn, shade structures such as umbrellas and shade sails, and pools. The roof is white, and all pavement is light-coloured, helping to reduce surface temperatures and mitigate the urban heat island effect. The pedestrian pathways and main entry pathway are enhanced by an established canopy, extensive shaded areas, and surrounding irrigated vegetation to support thermal comfort.

This wellness and aquatic centre was designed to deliver high thermal comfort and indoor air quality while minimising reliance on mechanical systems. A detailed comfort assessment showed that over 95% of the regularly occupied areas stayed within the ideal temperature range for nearly all occupied hours. Natural ventilation and daylight are maximised through smart orientation and glazing, reducing the need for artificial lighting and conditioning. Mechanical systems are used efficiently, with heat recovery and economy modes where possible. Low-toxicity materials and high-performance building envelope standards further support occupant health and sustainability goals.

The centre demonstrates a comprehensive and user-friendly approach to waste management. Clearly signed, colour-coded bin stations are provided throughout public and staff areas, supporting separation of general waste, recycling, food organics, and soft plastics. A secure ground-level bin store and rear loading area ensure efficient collection, while oversized co-mingled recycling accommodates supplementary waste due to a no-glass policy. Waste infrastructure is accessible, well-ventilated, and integrated into the building design. Operational data has allowed for optimised collection frequency, and the facility achieved a high diversion rate during construction, with 92% of waste recycled and only 8% sent to landfill.

The project also has exemplary design outcomes in the following categories:

This wellness and aquatic centre supports sustainable transport through extensive bicycle and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. A total of 84 bicycle parks are provided at ground level with good lighting, surveillance, and space for larger bikes. All parks are accessible to both staff and visitors. End-of-trip facilities include showers, lockers, and change rooms, meeting best practice standards. EV infrastructure includes nine publicly accessible charging stations located near the building entrance. The retained carpark has been successfully adapted to support EV use and is shaded by established trees, enhancing its suitability for future flexible uses.

The site dedicates 40% of its area to external landscaping, integrating ecological enhancement with public amenity. While existing vegetation offered low to moderate habitat value, the as-built design significantly improves ecological outcomes through increased canopy cover, expanded native and indigenous planting, and added habitat features like rocks and boulders. Exotic lawn remains for recreational use, but the overall intent prioritises biodiversity and resilience.  70 mature canopy trees were retained, contributing shade and cooling benefits. Landscaping is irrigated via a greywater system sourced from the pool and showers, ensuring sustainability during dry periods, with maintenance managed by Council.