The underlying rock and severe space constraints
led to the use of an underfloor stormwater drainage
system with maintenance access inside the building.
The new exhibit links into the existing Diversity
Hall of the aquarium at ground floor level. The large
flat viewing area in front of the main window is
designed as a flexible area and can accommodate
up to 180 people for a function. The tank extends
6m upwards and has a new external rooftop area that
gives aquarium personnel access to the new exhibit,
and to a medical pool where animal check-ups can
be carried out. The medical pool is supported off the
main tank walls on one side and adjacent columns
on the other side. Th e side walls of the tank were
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designed as beam elements spanning between these
supports. There is also a separate reinforced concrete
diver-training pool on the roof level that is supported
from the main tank walls via a 400mm thick slab. At
ground floor a new workshop, life support plant room
and staff facilities have been provided.
The new exhibit is flanked by a separate functions
venue which has an entrance on Dock Road. This
venue can connect seamlessly with the new
exhibit area when required. The functions venue
contains a variety of flexible spaces, the largest
being a conference space on the first floor that can
accommodate approximately 450 people. The venue
has permanent visual links with the new exhibit
Two Oceans Aquarium