Our Green Game
As we make a collective shift towards a more sustainable future, Scott Carver embraces our responsibility as architectural professionals to strive for an integrated approach to the sustainability of the built environment. We are strongly motivated towards becoming a leader in innovation and sustainability and it is our objective to implement design practices that positively contribute to the urban landscape and wider community. The recently launched ‘Centre of Excellence’ for Netball NSW is an exemplar.
February saw the official unveiling of Netball Central, a joint venture funded by Communities NSW Sport and Recreation and Netball NSW, located at Sydney Olympic Park. The complex comprises five international standard courts, an additional show court accommodating more than 800 spectators, an education and training room, amenities for players, officials and spectators, as well as the administration headquarters and training facilities for Netball NSW and their professional team, the NSW Swifts.
When Scott Carver was given the opportunity to work with Netball NSW to create Australia’s first facility dedicated to women’s sport, there was a clear objective to create a flagship, high-performance venue that would enhance the existing profile of netball and aid in the development of players striving for the pinnacle of the sport. Consideration of sustainable initiatives was key to success.
At the heart of the brief were the client’s desires for a facility that promoted and supported positive development of players aligned with Netball NSW and sustainable initiatives for the community at large. Following on from the success of the Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) plan implemented for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, the Sydney Olympic Park Authority has continued their commitment to the conservation, management and development of the precinct and its venues aligned with Netball NSW’s ambitious goals towards realising a more sustainable future.
“Working in collaboration with Arup, we developed a design where laminated veneer lumber (LVL), a sustainable raw timber product, became the primary structure which ultimately informed the very heart of the architectural language; setting it apart from existing steel structures to instead infuse the space with a textured warmth and confirm its status as an iconic, cutting-edge facility”, explained Project Architect, Claire Matheson.
Energy efficiency takes precedence, with Netball Central being illuminated by daylight via a pattern of skylights and wall cladding that enable training to occur without requiring artificial lighting during the day. In addition, the combination of angled blade walls and light-diffusing materials assist in preventing the glare of direct sunlight interfering with play, while enabling 100% natural ventilation to all six courts. Importantly, passive heating and cooling principles of the natural ventilation and thermal labyrinth have been incorporated within the building striving for comfortable conditions year round without supplementation of artificial energy mechanisms.
These sustainable initiatives play a significant role in reducing the overall energy consumption of the building while providing a healthy environment for players and spectators.
To celebrate the importance this building had to women’s sport in Australia, it was imperative that we created a building with distinctly unique qualities. The innovative materials and structural design that have been woven into the very heart of Netball Central’s architectural vocabulary when combined with the strong, streamlined design, achieve architecture with a unique character of its own while remaining true to sustainable principles.
Sustainability is our collective responsibility and our team plays a big part in bringing this commitment to life.
We recently switched off our lights during Earth Hour from 8:30pm on 28th March 2015 and were excited to host Earth Hour ambassador, Monica Richter who discussed key environmental issues and how everyone could make a difference at home and in the office.
Another important business initiative we are proud to support this month is the Sydney Rides Business Challenge. With around 15% of our professionals already cycling to work every day, we are encouraging more of the team to embrace this challenge: getting fitter and contributing to a better environment. In addition to these excellent benefits, we are increasing our understanding of the urban issues related to accommodating bicycles in our busy city.
Watch this space as we push the boundaries.
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