UNEX supplied engineered Finline and Panorama balustrade systems for the award-winning Te Ngaeengae Pool and Fitness Centre, delivering durable, code-compliant safety barriers designed for the demanding conditions of a public aquatic environment.
The newly opened Te Ngaeengae Pool and Fitness Centre has restored an important public facility to the Hutt Valley community. Closed in 2019 due to seismic safety concerns, the original Naenae Pool left a significant gap in local recreation infrastructure. The new facility now provides an Olympic-length pool, hydroslide, spa, gym, children's water play areas, and flexible community spaces designed to promote health, wellbeing, and community connection.
Designed by Architecture HDT with engineering support from GHD, the project was recognised with an NZIA Wellington Local Architecture Award - Public Architecture (2025).
UNEX Systems was proud to support this landmark project by supplying site-specific balustrade systems engineered to meet the demanding performance requirements of a high-use aquatic environment.
Safe, Durable Balustrades for the Hydroslide Tower
The hydroslide tower required balustrade systems capable of providing long-term durability while meeting the structural requirements of a busy public facility. Located within a humid, chlorinated environment, material selection and fixing methods were critical to ensuring long-term performance.
To meet the project's requirements, UNEX supplied:
- Finline postless balustrades for the stair flights
- Panorama frameless glass balustrades for the landings
Together, these systems provide robust fall protection while maintaining clean architectural lines and excellent visibility throughout the stair and landing areas. The combination of postless and frameless glass systems complements the contemporary design of the facility while creating an open, welcoming environment for visitors.
Engineered for Public Aquatic Environments
The balustrade systems were engineered to comply with the structural requirements of Occupancy Type C3 under AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 (B1/VM1), making them suitable for public stair applications.
Key project specifications included:
- Occupancy Type C3 stair loading
- Barrier heights of 1100–1130mm above stair nosings and landings, with 1275mm barriers where required
16.28mm toughened laminated glass (8mm + 2.28mm SentryGlasâ„¢ + 6mm) with flat-polished edges - Grade 1.4529 stainless steel threaded rods, selected to minimise the risk of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in chlorinated environments
- Side-fixed installation to concrete on both stair flights and landings
These carefully selected materials provide long-term durability in the humid, chemically treated conditions typically found within public aquatic facilities.
Engineering Support from UNEX
UNEX worked alongside the project team to develop site-specific Producer Statements (PS1s), supporting compliance with the New Zealand Building Code and the requirements of B1/VM1 and D1/AS1.
By providing project-specific engineering support, UNEX helped ensure the balustrade systems met the structural and compliance requirements while integrating seamlessly with the architectural design.
Installation was completed by Alchemy Engineering, a UNEX Authorised Fabricator, delivering a high-quality finish in accordance with the project specifications.
A Modern Community Facility Built to Last
The completed Te Ngaeengae Pool and Fitness Centre provides the Hutt Valley community with a modern aquatic and recreation facility designed for generations of public use. The combination of Finline and Panorama balustrade systems delivers durable, low-maintenance safety barriers that integrate seamlessly into the architecture while standing up to the demanding conditions of a public aquatic environment.
UNEX is proud to have contributed engineered aluminium balustrade systems that combine safety, durability, and clean architectural aesthetics for this award-winning community project.
Planning a Public or Aquatic Project?
Whether you're designing a community facility, sports complex, school or commercial development, UNEX can provide site-specific engineering, PS1 support, and aluminium balustrade systems tailored to your project requirements.
Explore our balustrade systems or contact our technical team to discuss your next project.
