Moana Pool
Dunedin, New Zealand

The Moana Pool redevelopment was undertaken by the Dunedin City Council to revitalize an aging facility. The design team included a local New Zealand architect and VDA as the Specialist Pool Consultant. When the Dunedin City Council was looking for a pool architect to undertake this project they realized that having VDA as part of the design team would ensure them the services of architects who are always trying to increase the pleasure experience in the pool environment and guarantee that the client gets value for money… which is exactly what they got.

The challenge for the design team was to incorporate the addition of a new 25m lap pool and a leisure pool with the existing 50m lap pool, learners pool, dive pool, and commercially operated waterslide. It is important before setting out on a facility retrofit to take stock of the existing pool - its age, its physical condition, the remaining life expectancy of its equipment, building fabric and location (is there room to expand?). These must all be reviewed before compiling a list of major deficiencies. The two pool solution is always regarded as best for any aquatic facility. Leisure and competitive uses require two different temperatures to function successfully and keep the "punters" happy.

The newly added facilities do not duplicate the style of architecture used in the existing building, however the new design adds to and compliments the existing structure. The new pool hall gives the impression of being outside. Through the use of glass and a cantilevered roof the pool hall has a wonderful feeling of openness and allows the lush vegetation of the adjoining parklands to be brought inside.

The addition of a leisure/wave pool to this facility that had been catering to only the serious competitive swimmer or fitness buffs will increase attendance enormously. The play value and therapeutic benefits of waves, bubbles, currents, and sprays are endless.