Modern aquatic facilities are designed to support everything from community recreation and rehabilitation through to elite sport, while delivering long-term sustainability and operational performance.
As the largest aquatic complex built in Sydney since the 2000 Olympic Games, the Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre demonstrates how innovative engineering, sustainable design and long-term community planning can come together to deliver lasting value for generations to come.
Engineering Innovation on a Grand Scale
Delivered for the city of Sydney, Gunyama Park features Australia's longest free-spanning 36-metre glulam beams. Combined with cross-laminated timber (CLT) to create innovative mass timber U-beams, the structure spans the main pool hall without the need for internal columns.
Developed early in the project with the design team, the solution utilised the longest mass timber beams ever installed in Australia at the time. Supported by long-span concrete blade walls with integrated access corridors, the design optimised material use, while maintaining open sightlines and enhancing the visitor experience.
Construction also involved the installation of large-span steel structures and a translucent ETFE roof, requiring detailed planning, specialist installation methodologies and extensive prefabrication. Off-site fabrication improved safety, quality and productivity while supporting efficient project delivery.
Complementing the structure, the ETFE roof fills the aquatic hall with natural light while enhancing energy performance, demonstrating how innovative engineering solutions can improve both user experience and environmental outcomes.
Delivering Complex Aquatic Infrastructure
Gunyama Park was designed to support a diverse range of aquatic and recreation activities, bringing together competition, community, health and rehabilitation facilities within a single integrated precinct.
The facility includes a 50-metre outdoor competition pool, hydrotherapy pool, leisure water areas and a 25-metre indoor pool featuring a movable floor. This adaptable technology provides flexibility for learn-to-swim programs, rehabilitation services, community use and competitive aquatic activities.
Delivering these facilities required close collaboration between structural, hydraulic, mechanical and specialist aquatic system designers to integrate complex pool systems, advanced energy technologies and stringent operational requirements. Careful coordination during commissioning helped ensure long-term reliability and performance across the facility's diverse aquatic environments.
Setting New Standards for Sustainability
Sustainability played a central role in the design and delivery of the facility. Gunyama Park became Australia's first aquatic centre to achieve a 5-Star Green Star Design and As Built rating, establishing a new benchmark for environmentally sustainable aquatic facilities.
The centre incorporates a range of sustainable features, including:
- Passive design principles
- Natural ventilation systems
- Stormwater harvesting
- Cogeneration technology
- A 420-panel solar array connected to the local energy network
- An energy-efficient ETFE roof system
These initiatives reduce operational energy demand, lower lifecycle costs and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the precinct. The project demonstrates how high-performance aquatic facilities can successfully balance community outcomes, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
More Than a Place to Swim
Inspired by Sydney's iconic ocean pools and informed by the site's Indigenous and environmental heritage, Gunyama Park was designed as a destination for the whole community.
Constructed within the rapidly growing Green Square precinct, the project required extensive collaboration with the City of Sydney, utility providers, neighbouring developments and the local community. Through ongoing stakeholder engagement and detailed planning, the team successfully managed complex interfaces while minimising disruption and ensuring the facility responded to both community needs and the broader vision for the precinct.
The facility includes:
- Competition and leisure pools
- Hydrotherapy facilities
- A fully equipped gym
- Sports fields
- Multi-purpose community spaces
By combining recreation, health and community amenities in a single destination, the centre supports active lifestyles while providing opportunities for people to connect, participate and thrive.
Built for Generations
Award-winning in both design and engineering, Gunyama Park demonstrates the importance of viewing aquatic facilities as long-term community assets.
By integrating elite aquatic infrastructure, rehabilitation facilities, flexible programming spaces and industry-leading sustainability initiatives, the project established a model for delivering enduring social, health and economic benefits.
More than an aquatic centre, Gunyama Park is a lasting investment in health, wellbeing and community connection, delivering value that extends far beyond its pools and recreation spaces and creating a legacy that is benefitting generations to come.