Sustainability Report
Embodied carbon
Timber stud framing instead of steel framing
- Timber was used in place of steel studwork in portions of the building.
- This reduces manufacturing-related emissions because timber generally has a substantially lower embodied carbon intensity than light-gauge steel framing.
- Timber also stores biogenic carbon during its service life.
On-site rolled roofing system
- Long-span roof sheets were rolled on site.
- Reduced requirement for intermediate roof purlins.
- Reduced material consumption.
- Reduced transport and construction waste.
Use of durable materials
- Brick masonry.
- Corrugated steel roofing.
- Recycled Blackbutt timber seating.
- Materials selected for long service life and reduced replacement frequency.
Minimal applied finishes
- Many materials function as finished surfaces.
- Reduced use of paints, coatings, wall linings, and replacement finish materials over the building lifecycle.
Recycled content
- Recycled Australian Blackbutt timber used for bench seating
Operational Emissions / Energy
Passive cooling and natural ventilation
- Open-sided central gathering space.
- Perforated screens.
- Ventilating skylights.
- Reduced dependence on mechanical cooling.
Solar control and large roof overhangs
- Significant shading of occupied spaces.
- Reduced solar heat gain.
- Improved spectator comfort.
Thermal performance and insulation
- Knauf Earthwool roof and ceiling insulation.
- Stabilizes indoor temperatures during both summer and winter.
Daylighting and circular skylights
- Provide daylight to interior spaces.
- Reduce daytime lighting demand.
Lighting efficiency and sensor-activated LED lighting
- Reduces unnecessary electricity use.
- Limits lighting operation to occupied periods.
Water efficiency and rainwater harvesting
- Rainwater reused for irrigation.
- Reduces potable water consumption.
Service and maintenance emissions
Durable Material Palette
The design emphasizes a durable material palette for high-use areas, featuring brick masonry for strength and longevity, COLORBOND steel roofing for weather resistance, and recycled hardwood seating for sustainability. The use of minimal applied finishes further reduces maintenance needs and prolongs material lifespan.
Long-Life Materials and Resilience
The specification focuses on long-life materials and low-maintenance solutions, enhancing the sustainability of public infrastructure. It prioritizes bushfire resilience with compliance to Building Application Level (BAL) standards, improving resistance to climate-related hazards and minimizing premature replacements.
Flood Resilience
To enhance flood resilience, the design incorporates an elevated building platform above the floodplain, reducing the risk of damage and minimizing repair needs after flooding events. This approach creates a safer, more robust infrastructure capable of withstanding environmental challenges.
Afterlife
The key adaptive component to the design is the club room. Whilst the brief was for use by seasonal sporting clubs, it is planned so that the facilities are extended to broader community use. Most houses in the surrounding suburb have little to no garden, and as such the Willowdale sports precinct acts as the suburb’s backyard. This is evident in how full it always is from dawn to dusk right through into the evening. In addition, the space has been designed to allow clubs to safely store their possessions to facilitate a multi-use future.