Queensland Tennis Centre

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Architectural Membranes

Queensland Tennis Centre case study

the project
The Sunshine State is justifiably proud of its Queensland Tennis Centre. The super modern river-front facility is the only one in Australia that provides all 3 Grand Slam court surfaces of clay, grass and hard-court. The spectacular 5,500 seat centre court is the focal point of design and action. Its flanked by a total of 23 International standard courts, pro shop, caf, change rooms, meeting/function facilities and Administration offices.

project details
Client Mirvac Location Queensland, Australia Architect HPA Architects Engineer MakMax Australia Size 2,070 m2 Fabric Saint Gobain Sheerfill II PTFE Date of installation June 2008

the brief

Design a centre-court roof that will provide all weather shelter for both athletes and spectators without casting distracting shadows or reducing natural light. With the Brisbane International being staged in midsummer, it was imperative to allow a high degree of air circulation that would help reduce thermal transmission. Plus, being on the world stage it had to demonstrate an advanced approach to sustainability and an outstanding sense of aesthetics.

the concept

HPA, local award winning architects, created a stunning balance of romance and reality. The floaty design is cost and energy efficient, durable, fire resistant and above all beautiful. The sculptured effect of the three sectors cleverly directs the viewers eye to the centre-court. By attaching the roof structure to just four columns, the architects were able to create the floating effect that promised cool shade with abundant air and soft, natural light.

the materials

High translucency PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) glass fibre fabric was chosen for its combination of tensile strength and high light transmission Sheerfill II transmits 16% of light without Ultra Violet radiation. The fabric contributes to a significant improvement in energy efficiency with reduced demands on electricity due to maximised natural lighting. The material is known for its ability to cover a large area with minimal use of structural support and due to its remarkable properties, it can last more than 30 years, reducing the need for repairs or replacement often required by traditional materials.

the result

While it took just over 4 weeks to install the entire roof, its impact will continue for many years to come. Now named the Pat Rafter Arena, the Centre has attracted accolades and compliments from many of the international and local athletes and visiting professionals who comment on its stunningly simple beauty not to mention the vastly improved conditions for player and spectator alike.

ACCREDITATION Our ISO 9001:2000 compliant Quality Management System (QMS) ensures absolute quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction. Our business systems, (sales, marketing, estimating, design & drafting, fabrication, manufacturing, storage, logistics and project management activities) are accredited by the Bureau Veritas Quality International Certification Services (BVQi). CERTIFICATION We offer clients the professional services of an in-house team of registered, practising engineers. Its another quality assurance that ensures we deliver full certification and design that meet all international standards. SUSTAINABILITY We proudly support many ecological initiatives. Not only does our Research & Development facility continue to produce newer, greener products such as Kenafine and ETFE, but we also support Texyloop, the international PVC recycling initiative. Established by Ferrari Textiles, Texyloop recycles membrane to produce ready-to-use polyester fibre and flexible PVC for re-use within the industry.

makmax.com.au Australia: 1800 777 727 International: +61 7 3633 5900 info@makmax.com.au

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