Aurecon, Arrow International, Sheppard and Rout
Project Location:
Nelson
Categories:
Commercial Engineering Excellence, Sustainability Award
WINNER: Commercial Architectural Excellence
Project Description:
Saxton Stadium, nestled at the foot of the Richmond Ranges, is now set to bring world class athletes to the top of the South Island. The stadium houses five timber floored courts for multi sport use including netball, volleyball and basketball and also houses a separate complex for table tennis. The building includes mezzanine level viewing areas, management facilities and offices of the local sport organisations. It is a facility that is seen as much more than a sports stadium, as it will provide a venue for many recreational events, hence becoming a central part of the Nelson and Tasman community.
The Saxton Stadium Entrance Atrium is the stand out timber feature of the project. The timber atrium is an excellent example of how an engineered timber solution can produce a stunning architectural result. The timber atrium solution is a stand out for the following reasons:
Architectural: The use of slender timber elements supporting multiple levels, provide a light, warm and welcoming entrance. The timber also creates a stimulating and exciting place to be heightening the anticipation and buzz of the sporting event within.
Structural: The design extends the use of timber from an architectural feature to one that provides a complete structural solution. Slender yet strong timber elements provide the atrium with floor support, multiple roof support, curtain wall support as well as wind and seismic bracing.
Sustainability: Using timber resources that are both sustainable and locally produced minimises the environmental impact of the building construction. With minimal travel of product to site the timber atrium construction produces considerably less CO2 emissions than a concrete or steel solution.