South Oval Pavilion, ANU – ongoing

Ngunnawal Country / Acton Campus, Canberra, ACT

Sam Crawford Architects was engaged by Australian National University to design a benchmark sports facility at their campus’ South Oval.

South Oval is one of four ovals across the Acton Campus of Australian National University (ANU), serving primarily AFL, soccer and cricket games. Adjacent to the historic Sullivans Creek, the site is rich with opportunity to establish a connection to the water and surrounding landscape. The existing South Oval pavilion, whilst much past it’s use-by-date and soon to be demolished, holds a special place amongst the ANU student and alumni community.

The project will establish the new South Oval Pavilion as a benchmark for future sports facilities on Campus, both in functionality and in timeless elegance. A gentle and low lying form that lifts up to the north, culminating in a multi-function room, reflects the backdrop of Black Mountain beyond. A singular roof soars over the two halves of the building, and a central open terrace accommodates after game congregation and sports viewing alike. Tiered seating to the northern terrace provides for casual events overlooking a new children’s playground.

Project Team

Sam Crawford, Benjamin Chan, Caitlin Condon, Ken Warr, Gabrielle Pelletier

Consultant Team

Quantity Surveyor: WT Partnership
Services Engineer: Evolved Engineering
Structural Engineer: Cardno
BCA Consultant: Certified Building Solutions
SQC Architecture: Heritage Conservation
Land Surveyor: Capital Surveys
Section J Consulant: Partners Energy

Client

Australian National University