The pool complex, which opened in June this year, is Stage Two of the Wanaka Recreation Centre which was completed two years ago. It features resilient, easy-care Resco cubicles and wall linings throughout all ablution areas. The new $12.8m facility features a 25m eight-lane lap pool, adult hot pool and a dedicated learners’ pool with separate toddlers’ area.

The pool complex shares the main entrance and reception area with the Wanaka Recreation Centre but has its own changing facilities including male and female changing rooms, three family changing rooms and one wheelchair accessible changing room.

For these facility areas, in contrast to the white and timber interior of the main pool area, and the rest of the centre (with a colour palette reflecting the local landscape), interior designer Kelly Harrison has gone for a departure she describes as “something fun and bright” to match the spirit of the swimmers. She has effectively opted for a bright colour pop in the pool ablution areas using ‘Laminex Juicy’ for cubicle fascia and doors.

Resco’s water-impervious Compact Laminate Multicom wall linings and Series 5000 cubicles have now been used throughout the centre. Using Resco for Stage Two was an easy choice says Kelly. “We needed something sturdy that would work in that harsh pool environment,” she explains. In addition, she knew from experience the Resco team were “very knowledgeable, helpful and quick to respond”.

The Warren and Mahoney Architects Ltd team for this project was Jeremy Dunlop and Alex Head (architects), Kelly Harrison (interiors) and Jesse Allely (technician).

Resco general manager Troy Henriques adds: “We only use rugged, solid core Compact Laminate. Our pre-finished panels and partition systems are water, impact and graffiti resistant, and extremely low maintenance. We supply a range of products with New Zealand’s largest choice of colours, which we confidently back with lengthy guarantees.”