Architectural firm DesignInc was invited to tender for the new stadium and associated site works, including two sports ovals after successfully delivering the grandstand for the Blacktown Athletics Field last year. The AFL, Cricket Australia and Blacktown Council joined forces presenting DesignInc with a modest budget to design the new 1,500-seat grandstand and a 250-seat function room and kitchen.
With similar dimensions to the MCG, the stadium’s cost per covered seat is approximately $4,500. It has the ability to expand to a 20,000-seat capacity in the future and was recently tested at the pre-season match between the Sydney Swans and Carlton.
The design is an uncomplicated group of three white buildings, each treated with a slightly different approach to wrapping and enclosure. The stadium wraps the perimeter of Oval 1 as it folds down over the three levels and the pedestrian circulation concourse, then folds again over the main entry arch, and function room kitchens. The folding, wrapping roof carefully reveals the yellow, grey and white coloured panels that line the active public areas.
The Indoor Practice Centre roof wraps over the north to the south, terminating at a low awning on the public side of the forecourt. This roof acts as a large archway that fully opens to the outdoor practice area to the west, and is also decorated with yellow, grey and white coloured panels. The east wall facing the stadium and change facility is illuminated by translucent polycarbonate walls to let in abundant natural light during the day and make the building glow like a lantern at night. The building reflects the concept of a decorated shed, fully ventilated naturally through the perimeter walls and the pop up clerestory skylights.
The third building, the amenities building at Oval 2, consists of two small buildings. The roofs fold out from each other like two gull wings out to Oval 2 and floats above the masonry enclosures with continuous high-level windows. The public forecourt side of the building has five tall poles that mimic the white light poles that surround the forecourt. These are fitted with banners to signify the ticket sales function of this building. This elevation is also decorated with yellow, grey and white coloured panels activating the public areas. The two entry gates continue the theme with white wrapping archways and are lined internally with bright yellow panels, completing the theme and journey of the visitors to the new sports venue.
In addition, DesignInc also designed a series of players’ facilities and media offices, a separate 100 sqm Indoor Practice centre that also serves as less formal function hall with a second commercial kitchen, and an Amenities Building with a clubroom that will serve as the day-today practice facilities. The Masterplan also allows for a large pedestrian boulevard leading to the stadium’s main entry, as well as a future licensed venue and Club gymnasium.
There is on-site storm water management, where water quality ponds hold, filter, and clean storm water run-off as well as provisional access to grey water for irrigation and toilet flushing. Natural daylight has been encouraged through the use of skylights and clearstories, which are shaded by photovoltaic panels, reducing heat gain and generating power. Richard Does, DesignInc’s design and project director, promoted the use of thermal mass and natural ventilation where possible to reduce the need for air-conditioning and decrease energy use.
