Project Overview:

The township of Kaiapoi was badly damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes. A number of facilities were affected including the Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre. The Aquatic Centre is an indoor heated facility consisting of a six lane 25m main pool and a 12 x 6m learners' pool. The pools and concourse survived the quakes relatively intact whereas the bulk of the building envelope was significantly damaged and required a complete rebuild.

Warren and Mahoney was appointed as the architects for the rebuild and Higgs Construction was the main contractor. Following an 11 month construction period, the Centre was handed back to the Waimakariri District Council in July 2013 and was officially re-opened by the Prime Minister, John Key in August 2013.

The Challenge:

Working to a tight budget and programme, the scope and nature of the repair work required an economical, durable solution for a demanding aquatic environment.

The James Hardie Solution:

James Hardie Titan Facade Panel comprises a large majority of the internal finish and Villaboard was applied to the ceilings and family change areas, providing a modern, clean look to the Centre.

"A key factor in using the Titan Façade Panel was that it was fit-for-purpose, as well as being easy to work with. Sheets were cut to size and delivered to site, helping with construction efficiencies,” says Paul Harris, Director of Higgs Construction.

Waterproofing was an essential element to the structural integrity of the building as was the provision of surfaces which were easily cleaned, non-porous and hygienic. Titan Façade Panel is pre-sealed on all six sides and primed on the face and edges ready for painting, whereas other systems require a producer statement before painting.

“The project was originally specified with another product. We suggested implementing an entire James Hardie solution to the project architect, Warren and Mahoney,” says Harris. “We use Titan on CLD as our default product and were confident it would perform in this environment.”

Both the Titan Facade Panel and Villaboard Lining are well suited to the high moisture environment of the Centre, as they are resistant to damage from moisture and rotting when installed and maintained correctly.

The New Zealand made materials are designed and tested for the aquatic environment and perform the same way to internal weathering when applied indoors, as to an exterior application.

“We are pleased we went down the James Hardie route. In the two years since the facility reopened there has not been any issues,” says Harris.