Burnaby Lake Aquatic & Arena Facility

The Burnaby Lake Aquatic & Arena Facility will be a destination recreation hub at the heart of Burnaby, in British Columbia, Canada. The facility replaces an existing ice rink and indoor pool that have reached the end of their useable life. The design is influenced by the history of Burnaby Lake to the west of the site. Formerly a wetland and Indigenous fishing place, it was infilled over time as a result of settler activities. Its potential for recreational uses resulted in repeated dredging to reclaim the lake in a rectilinear form designed to permit rowing. Over time, the original seasonal marshland habitat has been allowed to return, attracting salmon back to the area. Inspired by the tension between constructed forms and natural reclamation seen in the adjacent wetlands, the facility is designed as a series of man-made forms placed within the landscape, separated and sculpted over time. A set of large, sculpted volumes contain the large formal programmatic elements such as the ice arena, the 50m and 25m pools, and the leisure pool. These sculpted volumes are sensitively located to allow for ‘natural’ spaces in-between, that contain informal program elements such as hot pools, universal changerooms, wellness features and shared social spaces. Large glazing and natural organic forms within these spaces enhance a connection to the surrounding landscape, offering expansive views across Burnaby Lake Park. Respecting its role as a responsible custodian of the land, the facility is designed with highly efficient envelope, water management and building systems. Furthermore the building will rely solely on electricity as an energy source, avoiding all types of fossil fuel combustion. These measures will considerably reduce the building greenhouse gas emissions to approximately 7 kg CO2/m2/y, making this facility the lowest carbon emitter for its building typology in Canada. Rainwater will be used for pool tops, extensive bioswales will manage storm water, and retention tanks will reduce year-round potable water for irrigation. The generous social spaces, universal changerooms and washrooms, and accessible design features will create a welcoming place for all, inspiring positive change and connection within communities and the unique local environment.