The Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre, in Surrey, B.C., was one of four Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA) projects recognized at the recent Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention in Vancouver for its leadership in the use of wood both architecturally and structurally.
Earlier this year, Fast + Epp, a structural engineer consulting firm based in Vancouver, was the recipient of the Engineer Award in the Wood WORKS! BC 2017 Wood Design Awards. The firm’s project, Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre, was cited in the nomination for its unique undulating roof structure, which achieves the significant clear spans required for pools, and ensures long-term operational cost savings.
The aquatic facility is the city’s largest and was designed to meet the needs of all residents. The natatorium has a range of aquatic and fitness features, including:
- A 10-lane, 50m FINA-standard Olympic-size competition pool;
- A 500-m2 (5382-sf) leisure pool with a lazy river, spray features, and toddler area;
- Diving facilities with a full set of dive towers to a height of 10 m;
- Waterslide;
- Two hot tubs;
- Steam room and dry sauna;
- Seating for 800 to 900 spectators;
- Large family-friendly universal change area;
- Fitness and weight room facilities; and
- Exterior terrace.
“We salute these winning communities for building their civic projects with wood, and for
helping to build a wood culture in British Columbia,” said Wood WORKS! BC’s executive director, Lynn Embury-Williams. “We are seeing an unparalleled level of interest in wood by communities as they recognize the role wood can play in reducing their carbon footprint and achieving their climate action goals. The result is the use of wood products and building systems in an array of community project types, sizes, and applications as both a structural and architectural building material.”
