Naenae Pool and Fitness Centre

Constructing the new swimming complex in Naenae, Lower Hutt after the previous was closed by the council in 2019 due to earthquake concerns.

Create a modern swimming complex that serves the Hutt Valley, is seismically resilient and aims to meet the New Zealand Green Building Council 5 Green Star rated aquatic building – a first in New Zealand.

An additional challenge presented was the requirement to work at heights up to 12 metres, to install beams.

Finally, the nature of the internal environment in a swimming pool complex means ensuring any materials installed can withstand an environment with high moisture and humidity levels.

As part of involvement, solutions provided by Petone Engineering included:

• Installation of eleven 35 metre Glulam beams, each weighing 7 tonnes, to support the roof structure.

• Fabrication and installation of steel brackets to support the Glulam beams. Each of these brackets weighed 1 tonne, and had to be installed at a height of 12 metres.

• Ensure every connection point was effectively sealed with silicon to withstand the high moisture content of the interior of the swimming pool complex.