Monash University
Doug Ellis Swimming Pool Refurbishment
A transformative design intervention providing the existing pool with enhanced amenity and public presence on campus.
The Doug Ellis Swimming Pool is an indoor aquatic centre on Monash’s University’s Clayton campus, which comprises two six-lane 25m pools plus a leisure pool, spa and sauna. Centrally sited along the main arterial that connects the education and sports precincts the facility is open to the public and accommodates lessons, lap swimming, and sports such as water polo and scuba diving, contributing to the sports precinct as a key point of difference in student and public amenity for the University.
While the initial brief for this project was purely remedial, requiring a full roof replacement and light touch upgrades to the ageing original 1982 building, BKK saw an opportunity to transform the facility into a beacon of amenity and a landmark within the campus context. Working closely with the University, we redefined the brief to consider the building more strategically and holistically, incorporating the roof replacement plus the installation of a new HVAC system, replacement of the thermal heating system for the pools, minor internal upgrades, and refurbishment of the change rooms. These changes effectively gave the building a new lease of life, utilising contemporary design interventions to shape a new sense of identity, inside and out.
Big Picture Thinking
Understanding the potential of this project within the broader campus context was a key driver in our design process. Located on Sports Walk, a main pedestrian arterial between the education and sports precincts, the Doug Ellis building is well located public facility which was underperforming from an urban design perspective. The building had the potential to not only function as a key wayfinding element within the campus masterplan, but to also reflect a positive image of Monash University to the public. Our design intervention achieved a far stronger sense of presence and identity by incorporating a signage beacon and north-facing skylight hoods in the roof design. This effectively counteracted the sunken siting of the building, improving engagement with the adjacent road and footpath and contributing to better campus security through increased visibility at night. The outward appearance of the building was also considered with an awareness of future view lines that will emerge as the campus Masterplan is realised.
Collaboration and Humility
In order to achieve the project’s full potential, we needed to take the stakeholders along on the journey of redefining the brief and reimagining what this project could be. We undertook a detailed advocacy process with the University, exploring their reasons behind the proposed works, as well as their aspirations. By introducing proposed adjustments to the brief as key strategic interventions, which focused on elements such as wayfinding and defining a new entry sequence into the building, we were able to successfully demonstrate the value of the redevelopment in achieving a significantly greater impact.
Throughout the design process, we worked closely with the University’s facilities team to inform design decisions and programming of works, establishing a strong and respectful working relationship. We also worked closely with the structural and services consultants to enable collaborative problem solving around key technical challenges such as managing moisture and ventilation, integrating prefabricated elements, and keeping the pools filled throughout the construction process, as well as articulating the services integration as a key part of the architectural expression.
Playfulness and Innovation
Our design approach sought to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. Working with what was essentially a functional shed structure, we layered the new components atop the existing skeleton, creating a purposeful separation between new and old which we delineated internally via a bold yellow line running around the pool hall’s perimeter, like a tidemark. In response to programmatic challenges and the need to work over water, as the pools had to remain full, we designed the roof form to enable offsite construction of the giant roof panels and skylight hoods, which were then efficiently craned into place from the oval.
Leadership and Advocacy
BKK’s ability to interrogate the brief, identify the potential for greater impact, and successfully advocate for a different approach was a game changer on this project. By working with stakeholders and engineers to interrogate the brief, analyse the macro and micro implications of the brief, and understand from a masterplanning perspective the wider benefits of alternate approaches, we were able to maximise value for the client and the campus community. BKK’s redevelopment of the pool extends the life of the facility significantly into the future.
Transformative Places, Holistic Benefits
Through our advocacy for a refined brief and a slightly greater spend, the University has vastly extended the useful life of the pools, provided enhanced amenity for the enjoyment of all users, and transformed the building’s sense of campus presence and identity. The refurbishment has dramatically improved the internal environment, energy efficiency and ongoing operational costs of the facility through upgraded HVAC systems, enhanced acoustic performance, new solar heating, increased natural light, and improved thermal insulation. The project demonstrates how thoughtful architectural interventions can breathe new life into aging infrastructure, and deliver value far beyond the initial vision.