Cambridge’s Perry Aquatic Centre, Puna Kaukau o Te Oko Horoi, has won a top public architecture design award.
The award was presented last night at the New Zealand Institute of Architects Waikato and Bay of Plenty Awards, which recognise highly conceptual projects that redefine architecture.
Waipā District Council’s customer and community services group manager Sally Sheedy said it was wonderful to see the seamless design of the aquatic centre recognised on the regional stage.
“Architecture HDT who submitted the award, and the whole project team, did an amazing job creating a welcoming, functional and attractive facility that the community can take pride in,” Sheedy said.
The facility was also recognised for the floor to ceiling glazing that provides natural light to indoor pool users and adds pops of colour that are reflective of Waipā.
The facility was complimented on the angular and clean lines of the building that blend in with the surrounding residential neighbourhood.
“Since the facility has opened the aquatic centre has proven to be popular with our community, that attracts people of all ages and abilities. We are very fortunate to have this top-of-the-line facility that offers health, fitness and recreational opportunities.”
The centre opened in May 2021 and consists of a 25-metre indoor pool, a learner and hydrotherapy pool, 50-metre outdoor pool, toddler pool, splash pad, spa and sauna facilities. It is managed on behalf of council by the Waipā Community Facilities Trust.
This is the second design award for the centre. It also won the Central Property People Awards for Urban Design in 2022.
