Sustainable Wooden Soccer Stadium Built on a Budget

Sustainable Wooden Soccer Stadium Built on a Budget

By David Rowlinson  May 11th, 2017

Located in the regional setting of Ballarat, Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility provides sporting and social facilities for A-level as well as international-level games. The facility holds sustainability at the core of its DNA - sustainable innovation was intrinsically linked to its design.

Share

Article first appeared in Sustainability Matters

Located in the regional setting of Ballarat, Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility provides sporting and social facilities for A-level as well as international-level games. The facility holds sustainability at the core of its DNA — sustainable innovation was intrinsically linked to its design.

Coming up with a scheme that would meet the revised (reduced!) budget, k20 Architecture followed up on its aim to use local materials and trades wherever possible (at least 80% was achieved) to create a sustainable outcome.

A high level of environmentally sustainable materials and fittings were incorporated, including low-energy light fittings, reduced water-use fittings and operation, low VOC paint, durable finishes for low maintenance and longevity, and a carpet with 40% recycled content and end-of-life recyclability. The grandstand seating is made of recycled plastic while the timber is used from shading to external glazing.

With Ballarat’s rich cultural heritage in mind, the concept of the Eureka Stockade wall emerged as the leading design principle. Intended to mirror the structure erected by miners during the Battle of the Eureka Stockade in 1854, k20 Architecture’s stockade wall by is designed to protect the playing field from the prevailing winds and harsh western sun.

The architects sourced recycled and local timber to assist with carbon sequestration, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint. The wall is made up of equal proportions of grey ironbark, spotted gum and stringy bark. Its curvilinear form in plan is the starting point for the stadium, which contains the grandstand with 500-seated capacity, conference and catering facility for 200 people, external viewing decks and players’ change rooms, media rooms and sports administration facilities.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of delivering this project is seeing the locals using the grounds and spaces and knowing the project has been designed in the most sustainable way,” said k20 Architecture Director Theodore Kerlidis.

See more Australian exemplar projects

 

Share

By David Rowlinson

Make it Wood Program Manager

Stay up to date

Whether you're looking for positive inspiration at home, at work or in the community you’ll find something in our suite of e-newsletters.