Timberplex Athletic Centre
This building embodies a harmonious integration of economic, ecological, and aesthetic considerations. Its compact footprint, efficient space planning, slab-on-grade configuration, and minimal use of building materials contribute to cost-effectiveness. The project extensively employs renewable and locally sourced materials, such as glulam timber structures and CLT5 panels, to enhance embodied energy efficiency and support the burgeoning local mass timber and forestry industries. Hybrid solar design strategies are also incorporated, including a high-performance envelope; a green roof; provisions for cross-and-vertical natural ventilation; and a south-facing solar wall. These features are designed to minimize operational energy consumption for cooling and heating.
This athletics centre is a campus facility seamlessly integrated with the existing structure and features two entrances. The main entrance, located on the west side, is connected to the drop-off area and is well-suited for summer access from the surrounding green spaces. It also serves as the formal entry for external guests, athletes, and visitors. The secondary entrance, positioned on the north side, provides indoor access suitable for colder seasons and is primarily used by students, faculty, and staff.
The change rooms for local users, four varsity facilities, and adjacent coach rooms serve as an intermediate space between the two entrances, double gym, physiotherapy rooms, lounge, and the upper fitness and administrative areas. The timber structural components, combined with standardized CLT panel sizes, establish a rational grid for the spatial planning throughout the facility.
Our approach to natural lighting is informed by a critical analysis of similar projects. The challenge was to design a gym space that benefits from ample natural light throughout the day while avoiding direct sunlight that could cause glare and discomfort for players. To address this, we incorporated fixed and operable clerestory windows oriented toward the north, ensuring a flow of indirect natural light and vertical ventilation. Additionally, south-facing vertical windows are strategically placed to illuminate the angled walls without impacting the courts.
The fitness area overlooks the expansive gym area from the mezzanine space. The indoor running track provides diverse interior and exterior views along its length.
Heated air from the southern solar wall is captured by heat collectors and distributed to the interior spaces, optimizing thermal comfort and significantly reducing heating costs.
The aesthetic of this edifice is rooted in a techno-environmental approach. Inside, the rhythmic sequences of the exposed timber structure frame athletic movements in the gym area. Finishes are minimized to highlight the natural state of the materials. This brutalist concept embraces and promotes the use of bio-based materials, such as timber, reflecting the wabi-sabi philosophy that values authenticity and simplicity in unaltered forms.
On the exterior, minimal appearance of the steel cladded rain-screen walls forming under the harmonically pitch roofs frames the surrounding trees. The color palette is inspired by the nearly black perforated steel panels of the solar wall.
Program Summary
Building footprint: 72 x 45 sqm
Athletics Spaces | 2119 sqm | double gym+indoor running track+spectator seating+storage+washrooms (W, M, Univ)
Admin | 236 sqm
Athletics Offices |: 69 sqm
Change Facilities | 335 sqm | women+men+ 4 varsity changerooms
Fitness Area | 620 sqm
Occupational Physio | 110 sqm
Staff Facilities | 158 sqm | workstations+shared offices+kitchen+housekeeping+coaches rooms+meeting room
Lounge & Coffee | 99 sqm
Access / Service | 38 sqm
Circulation | 1182 sqm
Connecting Corridors to Existing Facilities | 268 sqm
Mechanical and Electrical | 79 sqm