AFL heffron park

Location: Maroubra, NSW

Concept

Crawford architects were commissioned by the AFL NSW/ACT to locate a new full-165m field and clubhouse concept enabling relocation of a senior AFL side to the Heffron Park Sporting Complex, creating greater synergies with its junior club. Complexities of the Heffron Park Criterium Track (a two-kilometre dedicated racing circuit) were overcome by slipping the building into a triangular section of land adjacent the southeast pocket. A roof that abnormally extents towards the field provides cover from a setting western sun, whilst rolls over and grounds the building against the cycling track. This roll-over contains an undercover ramping structure, to void the build and maintenance costs associated with a lift. The building form is simple, whilst containing a high number of required AFL venue-guideline dictated spaces, whilst the field location respects existing Remnant Sand Dune Natural Bushland.