Sustainable soccer stadium built on a budget

Located in regional setting of Ballarat, Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility provides sporting and social facilities for A-level as well as international-level games. The facility holds sustainability at the core of its DNA — in fact, sustainable innovation was intrinsically linked to its design.

Discussions between the City of Ballarat and k20 Architecture about a new soccer stadium were first broached in 2010. What council originally set aside was a relatively healthy budget that would appease most architects; however, at the first meeting, the architects were presented with a budget of almost 25% of the original figure. While some architects would have been disinterested in taking on this project, k20 Architecture saw this as a challenge.

Coming up with a scheme that would meet the revised budget, k20 Architecture followed up on its aim to use local materials and trades wherever possible (at least 80% was achieved) to create a sustainable outcome. As noted by k20 Architecture Director Theodore Kerlidis, “We weren’t interested in transporting materials from the other side of the world when you can find suitable materials in the immediate vicinity.”

A high level of environmentally sustainable materials and fittings were incorporated, including low-energy light fittings, reduced water-use fittings and operation, low VOC paint, durable finishes for low maintenance and longevity, and a carpet with 40% recycled content and end-of-life recyclability. The grandstand seating is made of recycled plastic while the timber is used from shading to external glazing. The grandstand was manufactured using off-the-shelf prebuilt concrete construction planks.

Passive solar design features include high-level extended eaves to reduce heat load on the building, double glazing throughout and high levels of insulation. The west facade is protected from solar gain through a ventilated facade and reduced glazing. The roof was designed for solar photovoltaic collector installation and for rainwater collection for use in toilets.

Natural ventilation is maximised via the inclusion of thermal chimneys, providing stack effect cooling and natural ventilation to change rooms and mixed-mode heating and cooling through an underfloor air-plenum to the first floor. k20 Architecture sourced recycled and local timber to assist with carbon sequestration, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint.

With Ballarat’s rich cultural heritage in mind, the concept of the Eureka Stockade wall emerged as the leading design principle. Intended to mirror the structure erected by miners during the Battle of the Eureka Stockade in 1854, k20 Architecture’s stockade wall by is designed to protect the building’s program and playing field from the prevailing winds and harsh western sun.

The wall emerges from the landscape and is made up of equal proportions of grey ironbark, spotted gum and stringy bark. Its curvilinear form in plan is the starting point for the stadium, which contains the grandstand with 500-seated capacity, conference and catering facility for 200 people, external viewing decks and players’ change rooms, media rooms and sports administration facilities.

The project has already achieved an exemplar rating using the Sustainable Tools for Environmental Performance Strategy (STEPS) scorecard. k20 Architecture is currently working on Stage Four of the Stockade Stadium, with the architects saying they have enjoyed seeing the project progress.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of delivering this project is seeing the locals using the grounds and spaces and knowing the project has been designed in the most sustainable way,” said Kerlidis.