Passivhaus leisure centre foundations: what to resolve during pre-construction

A Passivhaus leisure centre brings together spaces with very different requirements. Pool halls, changing rooms, gyms and reception areas all need to work as part of a coordinated building.

At foundation level, that means considering structural loads, insulation, moisture protection, services and construction sequencing together.

The new Cranleigh Leisure Centre provides a timely reason to look at this work. Willmott Dixon has signed a pre-construction services agreement with Waverley Borough Council, with GT3 appointed as architect. The project team will develop the design, programme and construction approach before the planned start on site in early 2027.

For teams planning similar buildings, this is an opportunity to resolve the connections that will later become difficult to access or alter.