North Sydney Olympic Pool: Distinct Aluminium Brings a Sydney Icon Back to Life using Capral Aluminium Systems

North Sydney Olympic Pool has undergone a major redevelopment, with new aquatic and fitness facilities alongside the original pool building. Distinct Aluminium installed a range of windows, doors and framing systems using Capral Aluminium products across the project, including replacement glazing within the original building.  

Located beside the Sydney Harbour Bridge, North Sydney Olympic Pool has been part of the local community since 1936. The redevelopment has retained many of the site’s original features, including the existing 50-metre Olympic pool, which has been extensively renovated. The project also introduced new indoor pools, gym and health club facilities, upgraded change rooms and a new outdoor children’s waterplay area. Expanded café and dining spaces make the most of the site’s views across Sydney Harbour.  

The project was designed by Brewster Hjorth and delivered by ICON, with Distinct Aluminium responsible for installing the windows, doors, framing systems, skylights, and glazed awnings.

The pool environment was an important consideration for the glazing package. With heated indoor pools and high humidity levels, thermal performance and condensation needed to be carefully considered. A range of Capral systems were used across the project, including thermally broken systems and double glazing from the AGS Commercial and Futureline ranges, skylight glazing adaptors, frameless glazing systems and awnings. Aluminium cladding was also incorporated into the redevelopment, with the products selected to suit the different performance and design requirements of the redevelopment.  

The redevelopment was designed around a 5 Star Green Star benchmark, with a strong focus on improving energy and water efficiency across the facility. This included solar and thermal energy systems, seawater infrastructure and electric heat pump technology as part of the site’s move towards gas-free operation. The glazing was also an important part of the building’s overall performance, with thermally broken framing systems and double glazing supporting the project’s energy efficiency goals. 

Capral’s AGS Commercial 1029TB Flushline Double Glazed 250mm system was used across the main level, with the AGS Commercial 629TB Flushline Double Glazed 150mm system installed throughout the pool hall and gym. The systems enabled the large glazed openings central to the architectural design while providing the performance required across the facility. 

The scale of the glazing was also an important consideration for Distinct Aluminium, with some glass panels weighing up to 350kg and requiring careful handling and installation. The large panels were an important part of the design, opening up views towards Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge. 

Within the pool areas, the Futureline 994TB Sliding Door created wide openings while maintaining a thermally broken solution. AGS Commercial 50TB Awning Sashes provided additional ventilation, helping release warm, humid air from the pool hall. 

Capral glazing adaptors were used around the skylights to bring additional natural light into the building. Distinct Aluminium also worked on the existing Art Deco area, replacing glazing within the original building. 

Neville, Director at Distinct Aluminium, said the pool environment was one of the key considerations for the glazing package: 

“Capral’s thermal break system helped to solve the issues caused by the significant temperature difference between the heated pool areas and the outside environment. With the pools running at different temperatures and a lot of humidity inside, condensation was an important consideration when it came to the glazing. We needed to make sure the systems and glass were suitable for those conditions and would perform properly once the facility was operating.” 

We were focused on getting the job done and delivering what we had committed to. We’re really happy with how the finished project has come together, and it’s great to see the facility now open and the community using it.” 

Capral aluminium extrusions were also supplied for Coolsheet’s PVT solar system, which combines solar electricity generation with heat recovery to support the pool complex’s renewable energy and heating requirements. 

The finished North Sydney Olympic Pool brings together the original character of the site with a modern aquatic and fitness facility. Extensive glazing makes the most of the harbour views, while the combination of Capral systems provides the thermal and performance requirements needed across the facility. With the redevelopment now complete, the pool has opened its doors to the community, giving visitors a new space to swim, train and enjoy the iconic Sydney Harbour setting.