Presenting smart design with a strong theme of sustainability, the 27,000-seat stadium – Skilled Park – has made its mark on the Gold Coast’s landscape.
The stadium’s signature feature is its fabric roof – the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
The 23,000m2 of “PTFE” fabric roof is supported by 35-metres curved cantilever box rafters with an absence of the usual secondary structure. This allows a clean open aesthetic, creating an iconic building for the people of the Gold Coast that has been described by the Queensland Premier as the “best regional stadium in Australia”.
And at a capital cost of $168 million, it has also been noted as one of the best-value-for-money stadiums internationally, based on the total number of seats, amenities for patrons, corporate entertainment and function facilities.
Besides the aesthetics of the stadium, sustainability and construction efficiency were prime design considerations. Collaborative decisions early on about key design elements and operational features ensure the venue and its development successfully minimises its impact on the environment.
Construction efficiency
The majority of the structure was designed for off-site fabrication to expedite on-site construction and limit waste material. This was possible with steel being the predominant structural material.
Before finalisation, construction and fit-out materials were subject to environmental and life cycle cost reviews.
Offsite component production reduced the delays typically associated with waiting for large structural elements of concrete to cure. This meant construction progressed rapidly and systematically akin to the construction of an enormous “meccano set”. This approach also meant that various aspects of construction and fitting of the stadiums services could occur in parallel.
Where used, concrete was specified with a minimum 25% cement replacement using fly ash / slag. This approach reduced embodied energy and associated greenhouse emissions by up to 20%.
The fabric roof structure not only enhances the stadium aesthetically, but is cost-effective, uses fewer materials, and was constructed more easily and efficiently than a traditional roof structure.
The design team applied smart design of simple connections for efficient steelwork placement and maximising steel member lengths and grid spacing to reduce lifts and connections.
Patron comfort and amenity
Overall, the steel structure allowed for an open facility that maximises the use of natural ventilation and lighting. The fabric roof provides shade and cover whilst allowing natural light into the seating area.
As an ‘open-air’ stadium, Skilled Park’s architectural design takes advantage of natural weather conditions to provide thermal comfort for patrons. This was enhanced by incorporating fresh air and ventilation grates, external views and exposure to natural light levels that exceed required design standards.
Enclosed areas such as the broadcasting rooms, function areas and offices achieve a healthy indoor environment by using mechanical ventilation, high-ballast lighting, controlled noise levels, carbon dioxide monitoring and glare control.
Water conservation
Due to ongoing drought conditions in South-East Queensland, conserving water via collection and reuse and minimising overall water usage were essential design considerations.
Roof water is collected at gutters and run via gravity systems to storage tanks. Skilled Park includes nearly 1 million litres of water storage, and infrastructure for future onsite and offsite recycled water.
This water is to be used for pitch irrigation and toilet flushing, with potable water consumption in the stadium further reduced by low water-use plumbing fixtures.
Transport
Skilled Park’s development included a comprehensive Transport Management Plan (TMP) that provides seamless, sustainable transport options for patrons. Integrated with the stadium design, the plan includes a $16m Transport Hub to encourage local patrons to take advantage of Gold Coast public transport, a $400k park and ride facility at Firth Park and coordinated traffic works by Gold Coast City Council, Translink and the Department of Main Roads.
The ecological benefits of this approach are considerable, including reduced emissions, alterations to physical environment (such as building car parks) and local traffic congestion.
When put into practice at its opening event, the plan exceeded the client’s 80% public transport mode share target. This is significant, given Skilled park’s regional location and the Gold Coast’s private car culture.
Energy efficiency
Skilled Park’s development phase included computer modelling that analysed weather and climate impacts to forecast energy consumption.
Resulting energy efficiency measures include:
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Gas-heated hot water services only the kitchen and shower facilities
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Efficient lighting design
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Maximising the effects of the stadium’s natural ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning
Materials
Construction and fit-out materials for Skilled Park underwent environmental and life cycle costing to review and therefore minimise, energy and greenhouse emissions.
The exposed structural and architectural features – the concrete spectator stands and concourse surfaces and steel beams – substantially reduced the materials that would normally be used and Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) products were substituted with HDPE.
The stadium includes designated recycling waste storage areas and waste management policies and procedures.
The combination of smart design and sustainable elements in Skilled Park demonstrate that social infrastructure such as regional stadiums can provide both global and community leadership in delivering strong environmental, economic and social outcomes.
Acknowledgements
By working closely together, Skilled Park’s engineers (SKM), architects HOK Sport, the Queensland Government Department of Works (Project Services Division), managing contractor WATPAC and the state government-owned authority Stadiums Queensland were able to deliver the stadium under budget and in time for commencement of the 2008 NRL season.
SKM delivered civil engineering, structural engineering and engineering of all the stadium’s services, including hydraulics, lighting, mechanical ventilation, fire safety, communications and traffic and transport.
© Sinclair Knight Merz
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