+ previous     project     next +  

Berry Sports and Recreation Centre

Designed by AJ+C CEO Michael Heenan, these award-winning buildings bring sustainability and a sense of fun to southern NSW.

More than a sports hall This innovative sports and recreation centre caters to all segments of the Berry community. Its facilities include a multipurpose hall, oval, pool, tennis courts, and organised outdoor sports programs.

Unexpected detail The centre is clad in durable precast concrete, alluding externally to a farm shed. This is transformed by perforated starlight holes that add playful levity to an otherwise hardline structure. Inside, sunlight shafts animate the floor, and at night the building itself becomes a array of glowing starlights.

Ecologically Sustainable Design Wind turbines combine with louver panels to create a natural ventilation system that cools in summer and insulates in winter. Roof water is tracked back from the 3.5-metre cantilevered composite roof to provide water for irrigation tanks.

Global praise The centre’s impeccable design was recognised with a 2009 World Architecture Festival Award (sport category).

• Date
  2010
• Client
  Sport and Recreation, Community’s NSW
• Cost
  A$2.7 million
• GFA
  670 m²

• Awards
• 2009
  World Architecture Festival (WAF)
  Winner in Sport Category
• 2008
  Australian Institute of Architects (AIA)
  Blacket Prize for Regional Architecture
• 2008
  Australian Institute of Architects (AIA)
  Award for Public Architecture