Combining airtightness and thermal efficiency in Canada’s first zero carbon aquatic facility

At a Glance

  • CAGBC

    Zero Carbon

  • LEED

    Gold Targeted

Location
New Westminster, British Columbia
Offices
Client
  • City of New Westminster
Partners
  • Heatherbrae Builders
Architect
HCMA Architecture + Design
Awards
Prix Versailes, World’s Most Beautiful Sports Venues List, 2024
AIA Canada, Design Award of Excellence, 2024
Architects Newspaper, Best of Design Award, Civic Category, 2024

təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre - Building Envelope Consulting

The City of New Westminster wanted to set a benchmark for sustainability with their new aquatic and community center. We provided comprehensive building envelope engineering and consulting services, including contract administration and field review.

Our team addressed the challenges of a complex mass timber structure with cantilevered roof panels and saw-tooth roof transitions, delivering solutions to reduce air leakage and maintain continuity of air and moisture barriers. The envelope incorporates high-performance glazing and specialized doors, resulting in a tightly insulated assembly of standing-seam metal and strategically oriented glazing.

A key innovation in our design was the integration of a ventilated plenum air space around the natatorium—separate from the exterior envelope—to manage humidity and enhance durability. This approach improves thermal performance and extends the life of the wall assembly. We also provided guidance on steel stud durability in aquatic environments and analyzed roof assemblies to accommodate a photovoltaic array, supporting the City goals for the facility to achieve zero carbon.

The təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre is a 114,600-square-foot (10,647-square-metre) building featuring an eight-lane lap pool, leisure pool, two-story fitness gym, childcare space, and multipurpose rooms. Currently pursuing LEED Gold certification, the center has already attained Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) zero carbon building design certification, the first for an aquatic facility in Canada.

At a Glance

  • CAGBC

    Zero Carbon

  • LEED

    Gold Targeted

Location
New Westminster, British Columbia
Offices
Client
  • City of New Westminster
Partners
  • Heatherbrae Builders
Architect
HCMA Architecture + Design
Awards
Prix Versailes, World’s Most Beautiful Sports Venues List, 2024
AIA Canada, Design Award of Excellence, 2024
Architects Newspaper, Best of Design Award, Civic Category, 2024