The Project
Opened in 1921, Memorial Drive Tennis Centre is the home of South Australian tennis and hosts the annual Adelaide International. Located next to Adelaide Oval, the centre received a major redevelopment in 2019, completed ahead of the new Adelaide International tournament in January 2020.
WGA provided structural engineering services for the $11 million Stage One redevelopment featuring a single-span lightweight 6000m², 80m clear span fabric roof across the existing stands and centre courts. We also provided lift design advice for the removal of the existing roof.
As part of the $44 million Stage Two redevelopment, our Structural team designed the 1300m², 43m span fabric roof supported by a steel frame over the sunken show court.
Technical Solutions
The project’s requirements included aesthetics, a large column-free space, clearance above the tennis net, and shade for players and spectators. To meet this, our design team opted for a diagrid roof supported on a feature ‘tree’ column in each corner. The roof radius and diagrid member layout were optimised by harnessing the capability of a dome shape to span a considerable distance.
The feature ‘tree’ columns are separated by three members to allow light to pass through. The result is an elegant piece of architecture that integrates the structure with the features around it.
The project embraced environmental sustainability by minimising demolition, thereby reducing waste. As the roof is made from steel with high-quality corrosion protection, it has a minimum serviceable life of 50 years. At the end of its life, it can be unbolted and recycled.
Client Outcomes
The design and construction of the roof were completed in nine months, utilising the same fast-tracked collaborative approach that delivered the centre court roof two years prior as part of the Stage One works. Collaboration between the design team and consultants meant no formal requests for information or variations, no need to adjust or refabricate any sections, minimal need for propping, and no on-site welding.
This project was the 2022 National ASI 2022 Steel Excellence winner and the SA State Winner for Engineering Projects and Buildings, Small projects.
The Memorial Drive Tennis Court Stage Two is included in the following sectors & services.
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