Tensile has designed and built a Webnet perimeter fence for the revamped memorial swimming pool at Carnegie, in Melbourne’s south-east.
The client was the Glen Eira City Council. The architect for the project was Co.op Studio and the builder Adco Construct.
The completed fence demonstrates how Webnet can be used to create fences that are robust, low-maintenance, durable and sustainable, while being light in appearance and community friendly.
About the pool project
Strengthening community connections and attracting users of all ages and generations was a highly important focus of the pool revitalisation project.
The new centre now includes an additional indoor pool as well as a sauna, spa, café, space for group exercise programs, and various other facilities.
The original pool was built in the 1960s, and the redevelopment purposely retained a lot of its historic character. This includes housing the new facilities in a low-rise redbrick, timber, and concrete building that reflects mid-century design. Other ‘old’ features also remain – like the well-loved gassy hill, diving boards and post-war-style signage.
The modernised facility has been designed to complement its parkland and residential surroundings. Sustainable features have also been incorporated into the project, including solar panels and energy-efficient heating. The design achieved the highest Green Star rating possible (6 stars) for an Australian aquatic centre.
Our brief
For the pool fence, we used stainless steel 40mm-aperture Webnet mesh as the main material, supported by stainless steel perimeter cables and mild steel posts.
The use of the steel posts, combined with our knowledge of the effect of loads and other forces, enabled us to increase the span size of the fence – in turn maximising efficiency.
This approach provided a two-fold win for the project:
- It increased the effect of transparency and connection, and
- It decreased the amount of material required for the fence, in turn saving money for the client.
How using Webnet contributed to project goals
The pool’s previous fence had been bulky and unappealing, giving the place a somewhat ‘closed-off’ vibe. So, it was important that the new fence reflected the connectivity focus of the revamped centre.
This is where Webnet comes into its own. As well as robustness and strength, it provides transparency and visual connection. So now, rather than being closed off from the pool, passersby can look inside and see people swimming, playing, or relaxing on the grass. This helps to make the facilities more inviting, appealing and welcoming to all.
Another advantage of Webnet is its sustainability, as it is made from 70% recycled content in facilities run on solar power. It can also be fully recycled after use. These features also aligned with the ecological goals of the project in this case.
We think the new centre looks very vibrant! It was great to be a part of it, and we hope the locals and visitors get to enjoy it for many decades to come.
