Port Melbourne Football Club Sporting and Community Facility is a reflection of the club’s commitment to sustainability. It was constructed with the maximum specification of locally sourced sustainable materials and labour. 

Cost effective sustainable timber provides a high carbon sink; bracing walls are framed in structural plywood, sanded and stained black. Insulation exceeds minimum standards, and k20 worked with Pilkington to develop unique thermally broken double-glazing that, combined with natural ventilation, allows for energy efficient heating and cooling, without restricting viewing of matches.

The project achieved a high STEPS rating, and includes low energy light fittings, sustainable plywood linings and extensive use of plywood in place of plasterboard, which was only used in the administration offices. Modular carpet tiles had 90% post-consumer content backing, certified by CRI Green Label Plus. Other initiatives include underground rainwater tanks for toilets and plant watering, solar hot water, exhaust systems with makeup air, low energy and high performing mechanical supply air-conditioning systems. 

Contaminated soil was re-used and re-blended to clean fill status, and relocated to other parts of the site thereby diverting landfill impacts. All healthy trees were retained, and those assessed as unhealthy by council’s arborist were removed to make way for the building, and each was replaced with seven new trees across the site.

The result: a sustainable building set within a sustainable landscape. The project was awarded Sustainability category winner at the 2015 National Australian Timber Design Awards.