Ottawa’s Francois Dupuis centre construction nears end

Construction is nearing the home stretch on the $14 million Francois Dupuis Recreation Centre in Ottawa. Designed by GRC Architects Inc. and being constructed by Laurin + Company, the facility features a 25-metre, six-lane lap pool, together with a smaller leisure pool and dry sauna.

The pool basins use a prefabricated stainless steel structure, with PVC lining, a first for the City of Ottawa. A multi-purpose room and fitness centre complement the main aquatic focus of the facility. All spaces have been designed with enhanced barrier-free accessibility, including a large family changing area with oversized stalls, benches and multi-height plumbing fixtures. Both pool basins have ramp entries. The exterior skin of the single-storey building is made of glazed concrete blocks, patterned as a “pixilated” wave to evoke a sense of what lies within. The exterior of the natatorium volume is made from aluminum curtainwall and features Okalux diffusing glass units to maximize daylighting inside the building and eliminate the potential for glare on the water.

LEED Silver is being targeted for the building, scheduled to open next spring. Environmental features include heat recovery from excess pool water, enhanced energy performance targeting 40-50 per cent better than the Model National Energy Code for Buildings, water-saving plumbing systems, radiant in-floor heating, high-reflectance roofing and a robust and a durable building envelope.

The project team includes: structural engineers Halsall Associates; mechanical/electrical engineers R.J. McKee Engineering Ltd.; civil engineers, sustainability consultants and building envelope consultants Morrison Hershfield Ltd; pool consultant Novatech; landscape architects James B. Lennox and Associates; and owner’s project manager MHPM Project Managers Inc.