Abbotsleigh Multi-Purpose School Assembly & Sports Hall

AJ+C’s latest Multi-purpose Sports and Assembly Hall and Sports Field, completed in February 2015 is located at Abbotsleigh, a private girl’s school based in Wahroonga, 25 kilometres north of Sydney’s CBD.

The cavernous space with dancing columns and cantilevered edges, nestled within its forested site belies its large size. It incorporates acoustic absorption, natural ventilation, fire resistance and creates the uninterrupted channel for the natural ventilation. The roof appears disconnected and floating over the courts below; light weight and ephemeral, nothing superfluous, almost the essence of shelter.

The smooth perforated plywood finish performs on many levels. The crisp clean skin which forms the walls and the ceiling has no visible bracing or wiring, no gutters or downpipes. The connections to the outside are carefully controlled allowing vignettes to the forest. With this connection to the outside, the natural ventilation system and night purges make you feel like you are playing in the bushland. All the colours in the building are inspired by the magnificent spotted gum surrounding the building. Only the highest quality finishes and sports equipment were used.