This new aerodynamic sports hall takes its inspiration from its surrounds, writes Rob Gillam.
April 11th, 2012
When Allen Jack+Cottier principal, Michael Heenan, first walked on to Milson Island to begin the process of designing a sport and recreation hall, he did so without preconception.
Instead, he carefully considered the site conditions and allowed these to shape the building.
Aerodynamic analysis revealed that the channel carved through the spectacular sheer rock faces by the Hawkesbury River bends the breeze up and over the island.
“So, we designed the building shape to react to this more constant breeze,” says Heenan. “We knew we had the opportunity to harness it for natural ventilation.”
The wing-shape of the roof creates suction, which is used to draw hot air out of the building through roof turbines, creating an internal cooling effect.
Air is drawn into the building through low-level louvres, which run the length of the building, and over large shaded and moist river stones that enhance the cooling effect.
Heenan pushed hard to place the hall amongst bushland rather than in a clearing, in order to camouflage it from the adjacent Milson’s Passage residents.
The building’s roof design, which extends toward the ground, becomes a protective shell and fire deterrent skin, wrapping the entire building.
The roof also deflects tree debris, which collects on the ground alongside an in-ground rainwater gutter that lies beneath a filtering stone garden.
The design was enough to extinguish fire hazard concerns and the hall nestles deeply into a thick clump of trees.
Photography: Nic Bailey
Read the full story on Milson Island Indoor Sports Stadium in Indesign #48, out now.
Allen Jack+Cottier
architectsajc.com
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
‘The Elevation of Gravity’ installation was an immersive showcase of innovation that heralded the debut of Gaggenau’s groundbreaking Essential Induction cooktop.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Australia’s leaders in custom designed rugs, Designer Rugs, have launched a colourful retrospective collection of hand-tufted rugs by legendary designer, Annie Georgeson.
The Good Sheds North project in Melbourne’s docklands has dominated this year’s BPN Sustainability Awards.
A total of 15 designers and design projects have received Singapore’s prestigious design accolade. Here are the results.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
‘The Elevation of Gravity’ installation was an immersive showcase of innovation that heralded the debut of Gaggenau’s groundbreaking Essential Induction cooktop.
The build-to-rent model stands out as one of the most prominent discussions in design and development circles, so we’ve engaged with various perspectives and case studies from industry leaders and shifters. From citymaking design practices to entrepreneurial viewpoints, these stories provide a nuanced understanding of this increasingly prevalent model.
Gray Puksand’s construction-focused facility at TAFE NSW responds to the critical need for a resilient Australian construction industry.