Structure allows all-weather usage of synthetic bowling greens

Shade to Order Pty Ltd. | Gateshead, New South Wales, Australia

The client, Raymond Terrace Bowling Club, Australia, wanted an aesthetic, practical and energy efficient structure, which won an Award of Excellence in the tensile structures, more than 25,000 sq. ft. category of the 2008 International Achievement Awards, that allowed all-weather usage of synthetic bowling greens without the “closed in” feeling of a metal structure. Synthetic greens were already installed and special care was taken to not damage them during construction. No machinery or lifts could be driven on the greens, which made steel and fabric installation a challenge. Spanning more than 42m, the steel trusses are lightweight and strong. End trusses are inverted to give good weatherproof overlap at the ends. Several design aspects contributed to the success of the structure. The structure, the first of its kind in Australia, allows bowlers to enjoy their sport year-round, in all weather conditions.