Oak Park Aquatic Centre Shade Structure
Project Details
Location: Pascoe Vale, VIC
Completion Date: August 2018
Size: 1021 sqm
Fabric: HDPE - Polyfab Architect 400 & PVC - Mehler FR700N
Client: Hutchinson Builders
MakMax Australia delivered a series of bespoke shade structures to the Oak Park Aquatic Centre in Pascoe Vale, in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. This innovative installation not only provides essential shade over swimming and recreational areas, but also supports the centre’s sustainable development goals with solar-integrated design solutions.
Working in collaboration with head contractor Hutchinson Builders, MakMax designed, engineered, and installed multiple shade structures across the Oak Park Aquatic Centre site. The scope included two custom HDPE shade sails and a striking walkway/seating area canopy with an integrated PVC fabric soffit, sitting beneath a solar-panel array. These structures now provide essential sun protection for swimmers, as well as shelter for patrons enjoying the centre’s walkways and social areas.
The Brief
The aquatic centre required a shading solution that combined practical sun protection with sustainability and visual appeal. Key design goals included providing sun cover for the children’s play area and learn-to-swim pool, as well as integrating renewable energy infrastructure. MakMax’s role was to create structures that blended seamlessly with the centre’s architectural vision, while also accommodating solar panels and enhancing user comfort throughout the site.
The Concept
The Materials
To meet the brief, MakMax installed two multi-point HDPE shade sails using Polyfab Architect 400 in Slate Grey and Orange. The five-pointed sails span two levels of the aquatic play zone and are linked by a shared corner connection, forming a distinctive dual star-shape in the sky.
For the walkway and seating area, a custom-designed steel shade structure supports two rows of solar panels above a translucent Mehler FR700N PVC soffit. The soffit acts as a ceiling, providing shade and weather protection while concealing the galvanised steel framework. The high translucency of the PVC allows natural light to filter through, delivering both practicality and a sleek, modern appearance.
The Result
The result is a collection of functional, eye-catching shade structures that elevate the visitor experience at Oak Park Aquatic Centre. The combination of vibrant fabric colours, dynamic geometric forms and integrated solar solutions contributes to a more sustainable and visually engaging community facility.
MakMax’s contribution to this project showcases the creative potential of architectural shade at public aquatic centres, combining comfort, style and sustainability in one engineered solution.
