Eclipse Leisure Centre - Wade Linear, Gatic Parade

Wade Linear Channel Drains and Gatic Parade Access Covers from Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS) have been specified for a ground-breaking new leisure project in Surrey.

Eclipse Leisure Centre in Knowle Green, Staines-on-Thames, is the UK’s largest wet and dry leisure facility to achieve Passivhaus certification, and the first to do so in London. Designed by GT3 Architects and delivered by main contractor Willmott Dixon for Spelthorne Borough Council, the £43.5 million leisure centre project covers a massive 100,000 square feet, and has been designed to consume 60% less energy than a standard equivalent new building.

The impressive new facility boasts an eight-lane main pool, a learner pool, splash pad and spa, a six-court sports hall, three squash courts, three studios, 950 square metres of fitness space and two badminton courts. Visitors can also enjoy the new open plan café and reception space, and the stunning roof terrace overlooking four football pitches.

GT3 and Willmott Dixon worked closely together, combining their extensive Passivhaus expertise to ensure the most energy-efficient day-to-day functioning of the new landmark facility. Water management was a key consideration across all areas of the site, and following an in-depth consultation period with Wade and Gatic’s technical teams, a package of robust drainage solutions was specified.

Wade Linear Channel Drains

Wade Linear Channels and Point Drains have been installed in all the dry and wet changing areas, the shower and steam/sauna rooms, pool side in the main pool and splash pad, and also in the public toilets and cleaner’s store. Linear is manufactured to BS EN 1433, and offers a range of stainless steel channels in various profiles perfect for heavy-duty applications in public and leisure buildings.

In order to address a few drainage challenges across the Eclipse Leisure Centre site, Wade’s technical team worked closely with Willmott Dixon to develop a number of bespoke solutions. In tiled areas, the Linear Channels were manufactured to suit specific tile sizes, with outlets located in areas appropriate to the tile layout.

Outlets in the splash pad also required extra consideration, as the channel did not lead to a drain, but to a balancing tank from which the water could be recycled. In this case, the traps were removed and the outlet size was reduced from the standard 110 mm to 75 mm to match the intended pipework.

Flow rates in the splash pad were also checked, and the channel arrangements were adjusted to achieve the flow rates required.

The original drainage specification had requested minimal falls, but on further discussion to ascertain exact requirements, Wade’s technical team was able to suggest increased falls in accordance with the floor makeup, which assists with self-cleaning.

Gatic Parade Access Covers

Gatic Parade offers a range of stainless steel and aluminium access covers designed to be aesthetically modest, whilst remaining just as robust as Gatic’s ductile iron covers in terms of performance. Parade is available in single, duct, trench and multi-span configurations, and can be supplied with hinged, or lift-out covers.

Gatic Parade Access Covers now provide essential maintenance access from the ground floor reception area at Eclipse Leisure Centre, into the plant room below, and from the pool viewing area into the basement.

The covers were supplied in stainless steel, which seamlessly integrates the client’s need for safe access, with the flooring materials used, keeping visual disruption to a minimum in public areas.

Philip Harding is the Chartered Construction Manager with Willmott Dixon. He comments:

“Given the nature of the building and the wet areas involved, any drainage products used at Eclipse Leisure Centre had to be capable of withstanding heavy usage in a demanding environment. I worked closely with Technical Advisor Andrew Martin of AWMS, whose input was essential in addressing a number of unique requirements laid down in the original specification. This led to the manufacture of bespoke elements that were invaluable in overcoming the project’s challenges. The resulting installation will contribute to the smooth running and overall efficiency of the new facility for years to come.”

AWMS: Leading the way in sustainable drainage

The AWMS ‘Concept to Completion’ process is underpinned by a solid company infrastructure which offers the following:

• three UK manufacturing plants
• national brand-specific sales team and regional support network
• in-house technical team
• design team to fulfil bespoke design requirements
• rainwater and drainage calculations and on-site surveys
• take off and estimations
• in-house, BBA approved powder coating facilities
• unrivalled dedicated UK technical and after-sales support

Wade Building Drainage and Gatic Civil Drainage & Access Covers sit under the AWMS umbrella, together with Alumasc Rainwater Gutters & Downpipes; Skyline Architectural Aluminium; and Harmer Building Drainage. All five brands are well known for innovation, quality and longevity. 

Our extensive product portfolio ensures sustainable rainwater and drainage solutions that set the standard for urban water management.

Alumasc Water Management Solutions is part of the Alumasc Group.

The Group proudly holds the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which is awarded to companies generating 50% or more of their total annual revenues from products and services that contribute to the global green economy.

For information call Wade and Gatic on 01787 475151 or visit www.wadeint.co.uk and www.alumascwms.co.uk