The Challenge:
Large indoor swimming pool environments are tough on building elements due to humidity, water treatment chemicals and dew points issues leading to condensation risks, especially in concealed spaces. Acoustics are usually poor due to the wide-open spaces and hard reflective surfaces resulting in excessive reverberation and speech intelligibility issues for coaches and students alike.
The Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC) aquatic centre in Burwood, Victoria, was designed to seat up to 400 spectators and is used for both competitions and training. For such a versatile space, ensuring voices could be heard clearly from the start was a vital part of the project’s success. Working closely with architects Warren and Mahoney and acoustic consultants Stantec, the project team needed to achieve a sound reverberation time of less than 2.0 seconds and control flutter echo from vertical surfaces. To achieve this they required a special sound-absorbing solution that could perform well in the pool’s very humid environment.
- Address excessive reverberation, RT > 2.0 seconds.
- Control risk of condensation and corrosion.
- Create an uncluttered aesthetic.
- Choose a sustainable option to meet the architect's vision.
The Solution:
Asona’s Triton Pool Panels were chosen for the walls because they provided a high sound absorbing surface (NRC 1.0) to control flutter echo and a rigid moisture resistant panel that could be ‘stood off’ to create an open ventilated form that prevented interstitial condensation on the panels. Rated Global GreenTag Level A also helped meet the project’s environmental goals.
This successfully created an environment where coaches and students could hear each other clearly, a significant contrast to an untreated aquatic facility. The end result is an acoustically controlled space that feels calm and works well. Communication is clear, and the environment is pleasant for both training sessions and competitions.
The PLC project stands out as a clear example of what can be achieved. Asona’s Triton Pool Panels are designed for ceilings and walls and are a smart choice that not only solves echo problems but also helps manage risk from condensation with it’s open ventilated design.
- Crisp, frameless look with wrapped edges.
- Concealed aluminium frames for strength.
- Dimensionally stable in high humidity.
- Water repellent surface.
