Recreation and Aquatic
We specialise in aquatics and recreation facilities that bring communities together, promote wellbeing, and support active lifestyles. Our approach balances technical performance with an intuitive understanding of how people move, gather, and play.
We work closely with councils, community groups, and operators to create environments that are safe, durable, accessible, and welcoming for all ages and abilities. From pools and leisure centres to multi-purpose recreation hubs, we consider every detail from environmental performance to user flow, visibility, and long-term operational efficiency.
Example Projects
Client Dunedin City Council
Brief Aquatic Facility with 25m Pool, Spa Pool, Hydrotherapy Pool, Learners Pool, and Recreation Pool
Designed and built with project partners to serve the community year‑round, the facility includes an accessible 25‑metre lane pool, learners’ pool, leisure pool, hydrotherapy pool, and spa, along with gender‑neutral changing and a multi‑use community space. The name Te Puna o Whakaehu was gifted by Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou and is expressed in cultural storytelling and crafted details embedded in the architectural design. This facility was completed in collaboration with Cook Brothers Construction alongside McCoy Wixon Architects and Powell Fenwick Consultants.
Client Christchurch City Council
Brief Building - Structural Strengthening, Refurbishment, New Slide Addition, Exterior - Pool Altertions, New Play Area, and Landscaping
MAH helped deliver significant upgrades to Jellie Park, in partnership with Beca, for the Christchurch City Council. The project included structural strengthening, pool and changing room refurbishments, building services upgrades, and accessibility improvements to meet modern standards and enhance user experience. We continue to support CCC in 2026 with ongoing improvements and refurbishment of this key recreation and aquatic facility.
Client Dunedin City Council
Brief Master Plan + Staged Upgrades and Refurbishment
MAH has been working with Beca and Dunedin City Council since 2019 to deliver the Moana Pool Master Plan and Redevelopment. The project focuses on modernising the aging facility through improved accessibility, structural strengthening, new and refurbished public spaces, and energy-efficient upgrades to reduce carbon emissions. A staged approach ensures the pool remains partially operational throughout the redevelopment process.
Client Aquagym
Brief Learn to Swim Pool Hall Addition with Changing Rooms and New Main Entrance
This addition to the Aquagym facility creates an engaging pool space designed for learning and play. The new building includes a dedicated learn-to-swim pool hall, reception area, changing rooms, and plant spaces, all configured for efficiency and accessibility. This project reflects our commitment to designing practical, people-focused environments that support community wellbeing and active lifestyles.
Client Christchurch City Council
Brief Children's Pool Redevelopment
Rebuilt after earthquake damage, this pool facility brings new life to a residential community space. A bold blue theme and playful circular motifs feature throughout the pool, shade sails, and water play elements, creating a fun and memorable environment. Accessibility was a priority, with a gently sloping ramp ensuring easy entry for all—reflecting an aim to design inclusive, people-focused spaces that strengthen communities.
Client Ashburton District Council
Brief 30 Year Masterplan for Aquatics and Recreation Centre
This comprehensive blueprint explores potential long-term enhancements including expanded indoor stadium space, new aquatic facilities, additional sports fields and turfs, improved car-parking and entrances, and community-focused amenities like playgrounds, mini-golf and outdoor courts. Although many proposed elements are conceptual and unfunded at this stage, the Master Plan provides a structured, cohesive vision to guide future development — helping ensure any works on the site unfold strategically rather than ad hoc.
