Better buildings
November 19, 2019

Wood is a strong performer in pools and ice arenas

Wood is a natural choice for constructing indoor swimming pools and ice arenas.

An effective insulator with a warm aesthetic, wood is particularly well suited to the demanding atmospheres of swimming pools — as well as ice rinks in arenas. Wood tolerates high levels of humidity, offers acoustic and thermal benefits, and absorbs and releases water vapour without compromising its structural integrity.

Indoor pool design has evolved to include ample use of natural light and bold, innovative uses of BC wood from sustainably managed forests.

Darryl Condon and his firm HCMA Architecture + Design have been using wood prominently in aquatic facilities throughout BC.

“We have long recognized the inherent benefits of utilizing wood in indoor swimming pools; wood is a great solution to the challenges of chlorine and humidity,” he said. “It’s been a material of choice for all our recent aquatic facilities.”

Read the full article.

 

White stained Glue-laminated timber (Glulam), Laminated strand lumber (LSL), and Plywood are prominently featured in this interior view of the Guildford Aquatic Centre
Guildford Aquatic Centre

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Interior view of Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre showing glue-laminated timber (glulam) prefab roof assembly
Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre

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Exterior view of Cowichan Lake Sports Arena showing the heavy timber construction, glue-laminated timber (glulam) beams, solid-wood decking and western red cedar cladding
Cowichan Lake Sports Arena

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Interior view of low rise West Fraser Centre ice rink showing professional size ice rink, seating for 1,300, arching wood ceiling, and steel supporting trusses.
West Fraser Centre

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