MILSON ISLAND INDOOR SPORTS STADIUM BY ALLEN JACK + COTTIER ARCHITECTS

Poetic inventiveness and response to place is evident in this building, which is Michael Heenan’s first sports building since his Berry Sports Hall won the prestigious World Architecture Award. The brief was to design a robust multi-purpose recreation hall for young children to have fun in while on residential camp. A careful study of local conditions resulted in a building that fits gracefully into the extraordinary natural context. Its curving lightweight canopy seemingly floats over the landscape of its beautiful island site.The curved form of the building is an overt and direct expression of its thermodynamic analysis. It naturally heats itself in winter and cools itself in summer. Its wing shape generating lift and suction combines with a dozen wind turbines on the roof and continuous floor mounted ducts to create a natural and significant ventilation system which can react to the prevailing winds. It separates leaves and branches whilst collecting its own water which is naturally filtered and stored for later use. Two dark service pods pierce the south glazing compressing space and focusing the entry experience before the explosion of space and light of the main hall. The near north elevation forms a dramatic proscenium arch for performances both inside the hall and outside around the campfire.  This is a powerful building which in its frugality demonstrates the essence of shelter.
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