Combined with the highly sophisticated steel cables and operable glass windows sitting below this new roof, there’s a sense of it ‘floating’.
“It’s not dissimilar to the technique used to stretch rubber across a bicycle wheel, but, in this case the engineering is more complex and obviously the scale can’t be compared,” Ferendinos says.
From an aerial perspective, the sculpted roof is a work of art as much as an engineering feat.
“People have also likened the construction and form to an umbrella, but, of course there’s no handle in the middle to hold on to,” Ferendinos adds.
Cox Architecture was also mindful of creating a tennis court that could easily transform into a netball court.
When tennis matches are played, for example, the large screen sits below the roofline.
When it’s time for netball matches, a faux timber surface sits above the painted concrete court (six layers of paint are applied to create the rubbery surface used for tennis).
The screen for netball is also electronically transported so it moves to the middle of the court.
With the refurbishment, there was also the opportunity for Cox Architecture to provide new seating – blue in the main stands with the upper tier of seating given over to three different hues of blue, a technique that may only be apparent to sport aficionados.
“When you’re televising a match, you don’t want the upper tier seating to appear empty. Having the three tones of blue gives a sense of movement without people actually sitting in these seats,” says Ferendinos, who, with his colleagues, also upgraded the broadcasting system in the arena to ensure quality for those watching the game in the northern hemisphere.
While bathrooms were also upgraded, many of the cafes are still the portable type, located on the outside of the arena where people can take a break between matches and enjoy the surrounds.
Although coming up with a new roof structure and upgrading amenities didn’t trouble the architects, the timeline, delivered in approximately one year, did cause concern.
“That was the initial design phase to the delivery,” says Ferendinos, who explains that adding a fixed roof to the arena also meant a change in the building requirements, such as fire ratings.
Those fortunate enough to fly over the Ken Rosewall Arena would admire its delicate form, while those watching a match may think the arena still had no roof, given its lightness and translucent quality.
But the changes have certainly seen numbers expand, with these much-loved sporting events able to occur come rain, hail or shine.
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