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. It's flanked by a total of 23
International standard courts, pro shop, cafe, change rooms,
meeting/function facilities and Administration offices.
The Concept
HOK, 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
viewer's 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.
