Deer Park Dome
Project Details
Location: Deer Park, VIC
Completion Date: May 2026
Size: 69m x 43m (2963 Ssqm)
Fabric: PVC - Mehler FR900N
Client: Deer Park Club
Photography: © MakMax Australia
The Deer Park Dome is one of Victoria’s most striking covered lawn bowls facilities, providing a premium quality all-weather environment for players, spectators, and the wider community. Spanning 70 metres long and 43 metres wide, the MakMax bowling green canopy covers both a regulation lawn bowls green and a dedicated competition green, allowing the venue to host major events throughout the year.
Designed to withstand the challenging weather conditions of Melbourne’s western suburbs, the large-scale tensile membrane canopy delivers reliable protection from sun, wind, and rain while maintaining an open and welcoming atmosphere. The result is a modern sporting facility that supports year-round participation and enhances the club’s long-term future.
The Brief
Developed in close collaboration with the club and project architect, the brief centred on creating a weather-protected facility that would allow lawn bowls to be played comfortably in all seasons.
Located on the exposed western Melbourne plains, the site required a solution capable of handling strong winds while remaining visually appealing and practical to operate. The club also wanted a facility suitable for hosting competitions and community events, creating a destination venue for both members and visitors.
MakMax proposed a large-span barrel vault lawn bowls roof that would provide extensive coverage while maintaining natural airflow and an open feel around the playing greens. The design balances performance, durability, and aesthetics, creating a landmark structure that is instantly recognisable within the local community.
The Materials
The 3,100m² roof is fabricated from premium quality Mehler FR900N PVC membrane, a durable material widely used in large-span tensile architecture projects. Its strength and long-term performance make it well suited to sporting facilities where reliability and weather protection are essential.
The curved barrel vault form allows rainwater to shed efficiently while creating the elegant architectural profile that defines the project. Perforated aluminium end facades were incorporated to provide additional protection from wind and rain while maintaining natural ventilation throughout the facility.
A black steel support structure contrasts with the bright white membrane roof, highlighting the distinctive shape of the canopy and creating a clean, contemporary appearance.
The facility also incorporates integrated lighting and large ceiling fans, improving comfort and usability for players throughout the year.
The Result
Today, the Deer Park Dome provides a premium covered playing environment that can be used regardless of weather conditions. The expansive bowling green canopy allows the club to host competitions, training sessions, and community activities throughout the year while improving comfort for members and visitors.
The white membrane roof also contributes to the venue’s lighting performance. By reflecting light evenly across the playing surface, the canopy helps create a bright and comfortable environment with reduced glare for players.
More than just a practical shelter, the Deer Park Dome has become a landmark sporting facility for Melbourne’s western suburbs. Combining innovative tensile architecture with functional design, the project demonstrates how a large-span tensile membrane canopy can transform a community sporting venue into a premium quality destination for lawn bowls and events.
