Coastlands Aquatic Centre in New Zealand features a double-curved ETFE roof over a timber structure, delivering daylight, efficiency and award-winning sustainable performance.
Coastlands Aquatic Centre
The Coastlands Aquatic Centre earned the NZ Wood Resene Timber Design Award in 2014 for its structural design and integration of lightweight materials. It was also recognised with a Green Ribbon Award for CO₂ reduction, achieving energy savings of 26% through efficient building management and improved technologies.
Project Overview
New Zealand
Country
1835
m²
of ETFE
2012
Completed
ASC Architects, LHT Design
Architects
At a Glance – ETFE at Coastlands Aquatic Centre
- Double-curved ETFE roof supported by exposed timber structure
- High daylight transmission creates bright pool spaces with reduced energy demand
- Only a fraction of thei weight of glass – lighter structure, lower embodied energy
- Fully recyclable, UV-resistant and self-cleaning material
- Contributes to sustainability certifications via verified EPD
- Awarded NZ Wood Resene Timber Design Award and Green Ribbon Award
- ETFE system provided by Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific
1,835 m²
of ETFE
ETFE Roof Over Timber Structure in New Zealand
The Coastlands Aquatic Centre in Paraparaumu, New Zealand, is designed as a public leisure facility for swimmers of all ages and abilities. The building is defined by its double-curved ETFE roof, supported by a timber lattice structure that gives the space a warm and open character. The transparency of the ETFE cushions brings daylight deep into the pool hall, creating a bright environment that supports both recreation and wellbeing.
Transparent Roof, Low Weight, High Efficiency
The ETFE roof weighs only a fraction of conventional glazing, enabling the use of exposed timber as the main structural element. The cushions provide insulation and high light transmission, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Because the system is light, the overall structural load is reduced, resulting in material savings and lower embodied energy in construction.
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Angus Macleod
Technical Director | Australia & New Zealand
Durable, Recyclable and Easy to Maintain
Our skilled rope access technicians at work.
The ETFE system is fully recyclable, does not degrade under UV exposure and has self-cleaning properties when exposed to rainfall. These characteristics contribute to long-term sustainability while limiting maintenance requirements.
Our ETFE system also holds an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), supporting BREEAM, DGNB and LEED certifications and allowing projects to target sustainability credits with verified material data.
Visual Journey
The ETFE roof from the outside…
… and from the inside.
Click on the pictures to see the full size
Award-Winning Performance
The Coastlands Aquatic Centre earned the NZ Wood Resene Timber Design Award in 2014 for its structural design and integration of lightweight materials. It was also recognised with a Green Ribbon Award for CO₂ reduction, achieving energy savings of 26% through efficient building management and improved technologies. The ETFE roof played a central role in this performance by supporting daylight access, insulation and material efficiency.
Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific provided the ETFE roof system and supported the integration between the cushions and the timber structure, ensuring precise fit and clean detailing across the curved geometry.
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