The Vancouver Aquatic Centre renewal replaced one of the city’s most recognized aquatic facilities, originally constructed in 1974 near English Bay. The new facility was planned as a modern recreation and competition venue that supported community programming and high-performance aquatic events. Program spaces included a 50-metre competition pool, dive pool, leisure pool, fitness and wellness areas, multi-purpose rooms, and a childcare centre.
The design targeted LEED Gold and Passive House certification, which would make it Canada’s first Passive House aquatic centre. AME developed mechanical strategies to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, including energy recovery in dehumidification systems, high-efficiency filtration and hydraulic pumping, demand-controlled ventilation, and exhaust air heat recovery across all air streams.
AME’s work integrated sustainability and functionality in a complex aquatic environment, balancing thermal comfort, humidity control, and operational efficiency. The fully electric approach aligned the project with the City of Vancouver’s low-carbon objectives and set a benchmark for aquatic building performance.
Rendering courtesy of MJMA