Lippmann Partnership was commissioned to design an extension to an existing dilapidated basketball Stadium in Perry Park. Although a previous DA had been approved by South Sydney Council in 1990, the previously approved design was considered unsuitable for the context of the facility and the requirements of the sporting association having use of the centre.
Perry Park is now at the centre of Sydney’s most intensive urban consolidation in NSW. With a new town centre masterplan afoot, the role of community centres like this facility has come under scrutiny.
Lippmann Partnership’s original scheme amounted to an extension of the existing poorly equipped two court facility. After further consideration, a completely new facility was found to be more desirable and useful in the long term. The design incorporates 6 new basketball courts with a range of other sports configurations. These courts are split into 2 separate halls with management offices and administration, program and child care facilities, storage, toilets and change rooms providing a central service spine through the centre of the building. Above this further space is available as flexible non-programmed community purposes or function facilities.
A generous internal foyer complements the external concourse allowing large groups of patrons and visitors to congregate, by refreshments and enjoy views of the park and right through the centre.
The east facade of the building is fully glazed and protected by a large projecting roof to provide desirable views across Perry Park and protect the interior from undesirable summer heat gain. The roof structure is a lightweight cable stayed roof free spanning 50 metres across the building and providing efficient use of material. It also provides a silhouette from the distance to landmark the building from the town centre or on approach for patrons arriving by public transport.
Natural ventilation and lighting as well as the reuse of roof water for park irrigation and grey water make the building environmentally sustainable.