The purpose-built indoor sports center was designed by award-winning Athfield Architects and utilizes the very latest in building materials, specialist sports surfaces and technology. College headmaster, Graeme Yule, called the impressive facility "groundbreaking" and "very exciting for both the college and Wellington's wider sporting community."
The structure is made of rib-like laminated curved timber beams covered by translucent polycarbonate sheeting (BDL - Koscon Industrial S.A), designed to make the building feel very light and airy. It includes four sprung practice lanes, retractable nets and software that monitors bowling speed and form.
Architect Jeremy Perrott from Athfield Architects says the material has good spanning characteristics. "As it's a twin wall polycarbonate system, the amount of structure required to support it can be minimized. The building is designed as a lightweight 'shelter' – not a fully air-sealed envelope. This enabled a lighter weight, more cost effective timber structural frame to be used."
Entry by
Aithfield Architects, Clendon Burns & Park - Architect Jeremy Perrott
Project duration:
June 2010 - November 2011
