Craigieburn Splash Aqua Park and Leisure Centre is an expansive modern complex in the heart of Melbourne’s northern suburbs, designed to provide an immersive water-based experience for visitors of all ages. This extensively glazed facility offers several avenues for aquatic recreation and entertainment including twin waterslides, a flexible 50m water-space, steam room, gym and spa, as well as an enviable range of health, fitness and lifestyle services.

Situated as the centrepiece of a 12-hectare park, Northern Melbourne’s premier aquatic facility has already become a landmark for current and future generations.

Visually, Craigieburn Splash stands out for its iconic glazed roof profile, incorporating a series of triangular motifs that flood the public facility with natural light. Robert Abajas of Peddle Thorp Architects who designed the facility, sought durability for the window suites required for the aquatic centre.

The robust Capral 419 Flushline system was specified for its strength and performance.

“The range of products, technical advice and quality systems supplied by Capral Aluminium made it the right choice. PTA has a long history with Capral, they manufacture a quality product and we like to support Australian made,” said Abajas.

Performance glazing systems have been used to manufacture the double glazed units installed within the building’s roof sections, reducing heat gain and heat loss, while also saving on energy costs. The architect’s requirement for highly energy-efficient window suites was amply fulfilled by the customised Capral 419 Flushline commercial framing system installed throughout the complex.

The design’s angled and variously shaped glazed areas called for a high degree of precision, both in terms of manufacturing and installation. The main swimming area’s parallelogram-shaped glazed area creates a striking visual theme for the facility.

The window suites throughout the public facility dominate visually from within – a series of soaring slanted window arrays with the IGUs encased within the Capral 419 Flushline suites. The carefully placed window arrays also serve to divide areas by function while enriching the complex’s welcoming, light-saturated visual feel.

Photographer: Chris Matterson