AJ+C mimics upside down canoe in milson island sports stadium

AJ+C mimics upside down canoe in milson island sports stadium
all images courtesy of allen jack+cottier

australian studio allen jack+cottier has completed an organic-shaped multi-purpose hall on milson island in the hawkesbury river, new south wales. the site can only be accessed by boat and is used as a holiday camp, which focuses on health and social equity for groups of disadvantaged youths. the curved form was based on traditional canoes used by aborigines on the hawkesbury river that were made from a single piece of bark stripped from a stringybark tree and shaped by branches – upturned and propped off the ground the boats demonstrated the essence of shelter.

‘we wanted the building to slot ‘gently’ into the site. the building was positioned into a pocket between two lines of trees where we recreated the roll of the ridge which had been removed as part of an earlier quarrying operation on the site, helping to reduce the apparent scale of the building.’ says allen jack+cottier

the brief called for a robust structure to be used for indoor sports, as well as theater and dance performances and exhibitions. the main focus however was to provide a place that enabled anyone to participate and have lots of fun while doing it, regardless of their physical or mental capabilities. the curved volume emerged from a thermodynamic analysis – a study of side wind forces on site, the need to shed leaves yet collect water, and the enclosure’s set requirements. the use of natural thermal ventilation generated the roof shape, as smooth airflow required a clean, crisp interior skin.

rainwater falls into over-sized rock gardens for natural filtering and collection

the design exploits the inherent properties of plywood with the shape of the building designed to unload wind forces on the exposed site, reducing the weight of the structure by 30%. an uninterrupted slot is created between the floor and the eye height of a twelve year old child, enabling the kids to see the beauty of the landscape outside, while adults are focused on the activities within.

there are no visible ridges, eaves, gutters, downpipes or skylights on the exterior

at night, the curved wing shape of the building acts as a proscenium arch to define the place for the campfire, it works both for the audience inside looking out to the gathering space, and for the audience around the fireplace looking back into the hall.

the curved wing shape of the new building acts as a proscenium arch to define an area for the campfire

cross laminated plywood is used to brace the steel portal frame, designed to unload wind forces on the exposed site

an uninterrupted slot allows kids to see the beauty of the landscape outside

the unusual asymmetrical curve arose from practical considerations of wind load, bushfire protection and maintenance

the client’s brief called for a robust, multi-purpose hall to be used for indoor sports

natural light streams in from the roof windows, slot around the edge and end walls

attached amenities and storage modules service the fireplace, bushwalking activities and the oval

site plan

plan

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