PVC: St Dominic’s College Sport Court Canopy
Project Details
Location: Kingswood, NSW
Completion Date: June 2021
Size: 1092 sqm
Fabric: PVC - Mehler FR900N
Client: Solid Ground Landscaping
PVC: St Dominic’s College Sport Court Canopy
The St Dominic’s College Sport Court Canopy project stands as a testament to the innovative use of PVC in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor sports facilities. This significant undertaking was the result of a collaborative effort between MakMax Taiyo Middle East, renowned for their expertise in tensile membrane structures, and Solid Ground Landscaping, specialists in landscape architecture and design. Together, they brought to life a 1092 square metre PVC TensoSport canopy, a structure that not only transforms the sporting experience at St Dominic’s College but also showcases the versatility and effectiveness of PVC in large-scale architectural applications.
Constructed primarily from high-grade PVC, the TensoSport canopy spans over two full-sized basketball courts, providing comprehensive coverage and protection from the elements. This expansive canopy is equipped with state-of-the-art drop-down basketball hoops and is enclosed by side netting, which extends around the entire perimeter, ensuring that balls remain within the play area and adding an extra layer of safety for the students. The choice of PVC for this project was deliberate, reflecting a commitment to durability, weather resistance, and UV protection. These qualities make PVC an ideal material for school environments where longevity and minimal maintenance are paramount.
Moreover, the PVC TensoSport canopy is a significant addition to St Dominic’s College, promoting an active lifestyle among students by allowing them to engage in sports activities regardless of weather conditions. By providing a shaded, rain-protected area, the canopy ensures that outdoor physical education classes and sports activities can proceed uninterrupted throughout the year. This contributes to the overall health and well-being of the students, reinforcing the school’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and dynamic learning environment.
The architectural design of the PVC canopy, with its sleek lines and modern aesthetic, enhances the visual appeal of the college’s sports facilities, making it a focal point of the campus. The use of PVC not only serves functional purposes but also contributes to the canopy’s sleek and modern aesthetic, blending seamlessly with the existing infrastructure of St Dominic’s College. This project illustrates the potential of PVC to be used in innovative ways that go beyond its traditional applications, showcasing its adaptability and suitability for creative architectural solutions.
In summary, the St Dominic’s College Sport Court Canopy project is a prime example of how PVC can be utilized to meet the specific needs of educational institutions. Through the effective collaboration between MakMax Taiyo Middle East and Solid Ground Landscaping, this project has successfully delivered a PVC TensoSport canopy that provides sun-safe, weather-protected sporting facilities. This initiative not only enhances the physical education curriculum at St Dominic’s College but also sets a new benchmark for the design and implementation of outdoor sports facilities in schools, emphasizing the role of PVC in achieving both functional and aesthetic excellence.
The Brief
Solid Ground Landscaping, stepping into the role of principal contractor, embarked on a collaborative journey with MakMax Taiyo Middle East’s esteemed design and engineering team for a transformative project at an exclusive Western Sydney school. The ambitious endeavor aimed to not only resurface but also comprehensively cover two basketball courts, significantly enhancing the school’s sports facilities. This initiative represented a pivotal development in the school’s infrastructure, reflecting a deep commitment to fostering an environment where students can engage in physical activities regardless of weather conditions.
The collaboration brought together Solid Ground Landscaping’s expertise in landscape architecture and MakMax Taiyo Middle East’s renowned capabilities in tensile membrane structures. Together, they meticulously planned and executed the resurfacing of the courts, ensuring that the new surfaces met the highest standards for safety, performance, and durability. The choice of materials and the precision in their application were crucial to achieving a playing surface that would not only enhance the players’ experience but also withstand the rigors of daily use.
The covering of the basketball courts marked a significant enhancement, involving the installation of a state-of-the-art canopy designed to shield students from the harsh sun and unpredictable rain. This canopy, a marvel of modern engineering and design, incorporated advanced materials and architectural principles to create a structure that was both visually striking and highly functional. The project’s success hinged on the seamless integration of the canopy with the existing sports complex, requiring a level of precision and innovation that the Solid Ground Landscaping and MakMax Taiyo Middle East team was uniquely equipped to provide.
Throughout the project, the teams faced and overcame numerous challenges, from logistical hurdles to technical complexities. Their ability to collaborate effectively, leveraging each other’s strengths, was instrumental in bringing the vision for the basketball courts to life. The result was a pair of resurfaced and covered courts that not only met but exceeded the school’s expectations, offering students a premium venue for sports activities.
The completion of this project stands as a testament to the power of collaborative expertise in transforming educational environments. The newly resurfaced and covered basketball courts offer a versatile and dynamic space for students to develop their athletic skills, engage in healthy competition, and enjoy the benefits of physical exercise. Furthermore, this development underscores the school’s investment in providing top-notch facilities for its students, reinforcing its reputation as an institution that values excellence in all aspects of education.
In summary, the collaboration between Solid Ground Landscaping and MakMax Taiyo Middle East in the resurfacing and covering of the basketball courts at a prestigious Western Sydney school represents a landmark project that blends architectural innovation with functional design. Through their joint efforts, they have significantly elevated the school’s sports infrastructure, creating an environment where students can thrive physically and enjoy the benefits of outdoor activities in any weather condition.
The Materials
The St Dominic’s College Sport Court Canopy is fabricated from Mehler Valmex Mehatop FR900N PVC. The Mehatop ‘N’ lacquered surface uses a special nanostructure which protects the woven fabric and offers a significant reduction in surface energy. This helps the coating to provide exceptional dirt repellent characteristics compared to other PVC membranes on the market.
Tensile Membranes, such as architectural PVCV are ideal for sports court roofing, such as the TensoSport canopy built for St Dominic’s College. The translucent material provide diffused daylight, helping to create an even light under the canopy with minimal shadowing and without shining in players eyes.