Beenleigh Aquatic Centre Shade Structures
Project Details
Location: Beenleigh, QLD
Completion Date: March 2026
Size: 10 Shade Structures (1000 sqm)
Fabric: PVC - Mehler FR700N & HDPE - Gale Pacific Commercial Heavy 430
The Beenleigh Aquatic Centre redevelopment brings together a series of tensile membrane shade structures designed to improve comfort, usability, and visual appeal across a busy public facility. Delivered by MakMax Australia, the project includes over 1,000 sqm of shade spanning 10 individual structures, covering pool edges, spectator areas, picnic spaces, and children’s play zones.
By combining large cantilevered roof forms, sculptural hypar canopies, and vibrant shade sails, the solution creates a cohesive shade network across the site. The result is a facility that feels more connected, more comfortable to use throughout the day, and better suited to Queensland’s climate.
The Brief
As part of a major upgrade, the client required effective shade coverage across key areas of the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre. This included the main pool, grassed seating zones, picnic areas, and the children’s splash-pad. Beyond basic coverage, the intent was to improve the overall user experience, making the space more inviting and functional for families, spectators, and community groups.
The original concept proposed a series of smaller cantilevered structures along the main pool. Through the design process, this evolved into a larger, more efficient solution, a planar cantilevered canopy with a distinctive hockey-stick style rafter profile. This approach increased the overall span and improved coverage along the pool edge, particularly in high-use zones such as seating and circulation areas.
The concept was extended to include a corresponding structure at the opposite end of the pool, providing shade behind the starting blocks. Across the broader site, additional structures were introduced to ensure consistent protection beyond the pool itself, particularly in landscaped and recreational areas.
The Materials
A consistent material palette was key to achieving both performance and visual cohesion. The primary structures utilise Mehler Valmex FR700N PVC, a tensile membrane suited to large-span and curved applications. Its flexibility allows it to be shaped over complex geometries while maintaining uniform tension, which is critical for both durability and appearance.
In an aquatic environment, material performance is not just about strength. Resistance to UV exposure, moisture, and chemically treated air plays a significant role in long-term outcomes. The selected PVC membrane offers a robust coating system designed to handle these conditions, helping to reduce maintenance requirements over time.
To introduce a more playful element within the children’s splash-pad, coloured HDPE mesh (Gale Pacific Commercial Heavy 430) was incorporated in purple and green. This material provides airflow and dappled shade, creating a cooler and more dynamic environment while visually distinguishing the play areas from the main pool structures.
The Result
The completed Beenleigh Aquatic Centre project delivers a layered and highly functional shade environment that supports a wide range of activities across the aquatic centre. The large cantilevered canopy over the main pool provides generous coverage without introducing columns within the primary circulation zones, maintaining clear sightlines and open space for patrons.
Surrounding this, the use of central-column hypar structures across lawns and picnic areas creates shaded zones that remain open and flexible. The double-curved geometry of these forms is not only structurally efficient but also produces a more dynamic architectural outcome, turning otherwise open grass areas into defined, usable spaces.
The combination of structure types allows the shade to respond to different uses across the site, from passive seating and relaxation to active play. At the same time, the consistent use of white PVC membranes ties the development together visually, while the coloured mesh elements add a subtle sense of identity and playfulness.
From a community perspective, the benefits are straightforward. Increased shade improves comfort and encourages longer stays, particularly during peak summer periods. It also supports broader use of the facility throughout the day, helping the centre function as a social and recreational hub rather than just a place to swim.
Overall, the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre demonstrates how a considered, site-wide shade strategy can do more than provide cover. It can shape how a space is used, improve accessibility and comfort, and contribute to a more engaging public environment.
