Three aluminium framing products from Alspec were specified for a new swimming pool complex in Stromlo, ACT to ensure the facility could endure the potentially corrosive indoor pool environment.

Located in the western foothills of Canberra, Stromlo Leisure Centre combines soaring timber beams and large glazed aluminium facades to connect with its natural surrounds. Large timber beams made from glulam (glued laminated timber) have been paired with expansive aluminium window and door framing systems from Alspec to not only add to the appearance but also provide a robust, low maintenance solution.

Designed by Cox Architecture and built by Kane Construction, ACT, the leisure centre is located on the eastern slopes of Mt Stromlo and houses an eight-lane 50m lap pool, a 20m multipurpose pool, a children’s splash park, exercise and rehabilitation areas, and ancillary services including a crèche and café.

Glulam, used for the structural beams, struts and purlins of the centre’s roof, is an engineered product made by combining smaller pieces of seasoned timber into larger, stronger timber lengths. Both glulam and aluminium window framing are stable, reliable, low maintenance products, ideal for coping with the potentially corrosive pool environment.

Floor-to-ceiling glazed facades facing north, south and east, and narrower high-up windows on the western perimeter facing Mt Stromlo provide all day-long access to natural light and views over the Molonglo Valley. Additionally, the aluminium window framing ensures the building is well insulated and protected from the elements.

Alspec framing products used across the development in specific applications include:

ecoWALL 225 flush glazed framing:

Delivering a complete structural framing system ideal for high-ceiling expansive interior spaces, ecoWALL 225 can reduce the amount of steel framing support required. With a 225mm x 60mm profile, it has the structural integrity of 250mm equivalents and can be used for single or double glazing.

Hunter Evo flush glazed framing

Available in 101.6mm and 150mm depths, this versatile framing system can house single or double glazing, and provides a contemporary exterior finish with its straight cuts and flush finish.

McArthur Evo centre pocket framing system

In this style of framing, the glass is slid into a 3-sided ‘pocket’ provided by the aluminium frame, delivering lower installation costs as well as high security benefits. It comes in two frame depths, 101.6mm or 150mm x 44.5mm.

Swan Evo 45mm commercial doors

In addition to aluminium framing systems, Alspec also supplied their Swan Evo 45mm commercial doors for access to the facility as well as for internal room connections throughout the facility. A popular choice in high-use environments, Swan aluminium doors are extremely durable and can be configured in hinged, pivoted or sliding options as appropriate for each space.

Alspec products used at the Stromlo Leisure Centre include ecoWALL 225 flush glazed framing, Hunter Evo 150mm double flush glazed framing, McArthur Evo 150mm centre pocket framing and Swan Evo 45mm commercial shopfront doors.

Applied finish: Ultriva Precis Black Ink, Scintillating Champagne Matt

Photography: Martin Ollman