Indoor Athletics Centre & Netball Hall
Client: Brunel University
Value: £5.8m*
These two landmark buildings on the Brunel University Uxbridge Campus are a major part of the University's investment programme to continue its tradition of sporting excellence and to cement its place as a top sporting university.
The project was awarded Stage one Lottery Support by Sport England and forms part of the English Institute of Sport network.
The striking features of the buildings are the curved profiled metal roofs and the externally expressed 'wishbone' columns supporting the specially curved steel arch beams. The curved roof profile is a 'hyperbolic cosine', an unusual but structurally efficient shape. The gable ends are part clad with triple layer translucent pneumatic cushion panels similar to the Eden Project roof panels.
The indoor facilities are used for all sports although a heavy focus has been placed on indoor training for track-and-field athletics by incorporating a long straight (100m) for sprints and hurdles, as well as full jump provision and cages for refining throwing disciplines.
In addition there is a Strength & Conditioning Suite together with a facility for Sports Science and Sports Medicine in support of elite athletes.
The Netball Hall provides international facilities for netball, but also for basketball, volleyball and badminton.
This is one of many projects undertaken for Brunel University.
* Construction cost adjusted to Q1 2009 price base