tmsewtx Aquatic and Community Centre. Photo credit: Nic Lehouxtmsewtx Aquatic and Community Centre, which recently opened in in New Westminster, British Columbia, has been awarded a Special Prize for Interiors in the Sports category at the Prix Versailles in Paris.tmsewtx, derived from the hnqminm language and meaning Sea Otter House Aquatic and Community Centre, was designed by hcma architecture + design, for all ages and abilities with a focus on community connections, wellness-based activities, and sporting and fitness activities.tmsewtx was shortlisted against six other international sports architecture projects, including the Paris Olympic Aquatic Centre. It is only the third Canadian project to earn recognition in the competitions history, with the other two being the Holt Renfrew Ogilvy flagship in Montreal (Jeffrey Hutchinson & Associates and Lemay, caf by Laplace and Lemay) and the Apple Flagship Store in Vancouver (Perkins & Will).tmsewtx Aquatic and Community Centre. Photo credit: Nic LehouxThe tmsewtx facility has also recently been certified gold for accessibility by the Rick Hansen Foundation, which reinforces the principles of inclusive and accessible design that were core aspects of the facilitys planning and detailing.tmsewtx Aquatic and Community Centre. Photo credit: Nic LehouxThe facility is located on the edge of a residential neighbourhood north of the Fraser River, which has been a cultural and economic life source for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years.The project, located on the site of the former headwaters of Glenbrook Ravine, which was lost to development over the preceding decades, takes a strong stance toward reconciliation with the natural character of the landscape.tmsewtx Aquatic and Community Centre. Photo credit: Nic LehouxThe 10,684 sq m / 114,571 sq ft aquatic community centre is Canadas first completed all-electric aquatic facility to achieve the Canada Green Building Councils (CAGBC) Zero Carbon Building-Design Standard. tmsewtx is also the first to use the gravity-fedInBluefiltration system, which reduces the need for chlorine usage and creation of associated harmful byproducts.tmsewtx Aquatic and Community Centre. Photo credit: Nic LehouxThe post tmsewtx Aquatic and Community Centre wins Prix VersaillesSpecial Prize appeared first on Canadian Architect.