Habitat Recreation Centre, Freed from its more utilitarian surroundings, Habitat Recreation’s floating translucent roof beckons visitors to explore under its sculptural wings.
© Christopher Frederick Jones
Provided free of charge for use by residents and tenants, it offers daily opportunities to relax, meet neighbours and build community. It features a grassed area, 25-metre lap pool, kids pool, showers, toilets, change rooms, barbecues, ping pong tables, lockable bike storage and edible gardens.
© Christopher Frederick Jones
Toilets and change rooms are a covered outdoor area clustered around a central corridor, eliminating the need for mechanical ventilation or daytime lighting by providing ample amounts of daylight and fresh air.
© Christopher Frederick Jones
Rainwater feeds the pool and amenities, while Habitat’s embodied energy network powers the hot water and lights.
Project Info
Architects: DFJ Architects
Country: Australia, Byron Bay
Area: 150 m²
Year: 2018
Photographs: Christopher Frederick Jones
Manufacturers Danpal, Blue Glass Pebble Company, Cornilleau, Grillex, Tesla: Danpal
Hydraulic Engineers: MDA Consulting Engineers
Lead Architects: Dominic Finlay-Jones. Fraser Williams-Martin
Civil: Ardill Payne & Partners
Builder: AG Corp
Landscape: Alex Petersons ‘InRock Landscaping’
Structural Engineering: Ardill Payne & Partners
Mechanical Engineers: MDA Consulting Engineers
Electrical Engineers: MDA Consulting Engineers
Planning: Planners North
Sophie Tremblay is a Montreal-based architectural editor and designer with a focus on sustainable urban development. A McGill University architecture graduate, she began her career in adaptive reuse, blending modern design with historical structures. As a Project Editor at Arch2O, she curates stories that connect traditional practice with forward-thinking design. Her writing highlights architecture's role in community engagement and social impact. Sophie has contributed to Canadian Architect and continues to collaborate with local studios on community-driven projects throughout Quebec, maintaining a hands-on approach that informs both her design sensibility and editorial perspective.