| Popis: |
The gradual deterioration of existing swimming facilities prompted Darlington Borough Council to determine the most effective design capable of providing swimming and dry sports facilities in a controlled environment for all year comfort. A building of 12900 sq.m. was started in February 1979 on a compact Town Centre site of 6000 sq.m., enclosing, in a high performance thermal envelope heat recovery and management systems. Designed to be cost effective and energy efficient, it was completed in April 1983 with a construction cost expected to be within £9m. The architecture is integrated sympathetically within a historic setting and sensitively houses the extensive equipment installed for the environmental systems. The recovery system is based on a recirculation of air, including that of the ozone treated swimming pools, using run-around coils, plate heat exchangers and heat exchangers and heat pumps. The installations are operated through a Building Automation System. The facility for swimmers, sportsmen and spectators, bars and restaurants have been integrated with a Hall built in 1846 suitable for banquets. Designed to accommodate 2000, the Centre successfully averages 2400 users each day bringing life and income to the centre of the Town. |
