The world’s largest timber-roofed stadia—understood to be the largest fixed over a natural grass oval stadium—will stand 51 metres above ground level at its centre, with the roof falling in every direction so as not to stand out over and above Hobart’s skyline.
That is, according to the 265-page Macquarie Point Stadium summary report submitted to the Tasmanian Planning Commission – which last week revealed that the hybrid timber-domed roof would cost $160m (out of more than $775 million now allocated for the 23,000 indoor stadium).
Wood Central can reveal that the dome – which uses translucent ETFE ‘pillows’ on the outside – will also fully showcase the Tasmanian-sourced glulam – a non-negotiable for the stadium – within the inside of the roof: “The timber in the structure is expressed on the underside, and the volume created underneath will promote an awe-inspiring experience,” the report said.
“The streamlined structure allows the maximum internal height above the pitch centre and an overall form that reduces height and scale across all elevations, establishing a height at street interfaces comparable to and compatible with the scale of existing buildings.”
The report details the materials and systems that will be used in the stadium’s construction – the system will use lightweight ETFE pillows, a 20mm timber laminate, a (secondary) glulam timber system, and Aramax Metal Deck Cladding. Steel rod bracing will support these, ensuring the stadium’s structural integrity.
Wood Central understands that the mix of fully transparent ETFE pillows, coupled with the position of the glulam, metal cladding, steel bracing and lights, is critical in ensuring the stadium can host Test Cricket – an expectation from the early 2030s (as well as Tasmanian Devils AFL matches, Socceroos and Matida fixtures and NRL matches).
“The cricket ball trajectory was a consideration in establishing the clear height required under the roof,” the report said. “The Design Team have reviewed data available from Hawk-Eye camera systems that visually track and map the trajectory of a ball.”
“This reveals typical play patterns in a cricket match and indicates the likelihood of a ball coming into contact with adjacent structures – modelling of ball movements has shown that cricket can be allowed under the roof form, with a very low likelihood of contact between the roof and cricket balls.”
Another key consideration is the impact on the Cenotaph—also known as the Hobart War Memorial—which has been “very carefully considered as part of the design process.”
Speaking to reporters after presenting the report, Macquarie Point CEO Anne Beach said the project team has been clever in approaching the site lines: “Coming from the southeast corner, we’ve actually created these view spans where you can see these windows through the seating bowl up to the north—so you get a full view span of the Cenotaph.”
“The roof has particular relevance when considering the impact on the Cenotaph, as the escarpment between the Cenotaph and the Macquarie Point Stadium will provide a physical buffer and assist in shielding the majority of the facade from view,” the report adds. “The majority view from the base of the Cenotaph is the transparent dome roof featuring Tasmanian timber, with renders created at the request of the RSL to show the visual impact from the Cenotaph.”
“The issue of overshadowing has been carefully considered. At no point will the Multipurpose Stadium cause a shadow to fall on the Cenotaph, and it will not impact the sunrise for Anzac Day commemorations. The shape of the roof and avoidance of structural bulk also ensures that key sightlines can be maintained from the Cenotaph, carefully considered when deciding on the placement of the Macquarie Point Stadium on the site.”
- To learn more about the Macquarie Point Stadium, click here for Wood Central’s special feature.
