Project
CO.OP
How do you fit a multi-use community sports complex into the densely populated inner-city suburb of North Fitzroy? You build up of course, which is how the Bundha Sports Centre, Australia’s first vertically stacked, multi-level sports hub came to life. A state-of-the-art community facility built for sports, wellness and connection, the centre’s innovative design includes an array of visually stunning elements, enhanced by the extensive use of plywood panels throughout the expansive space.
Project background
Conceptualised as a solution to address the shortage of recreational space in the inner city, this groundbreaking, all-electric facility is designed to achieve a 5-star Green Star rating. Equipped with five competition-standard indoor courts spanning across three levels, Bundha plays host to basketball, netball, volleyball and futsal games along with casual shooting sessions. Beyond this, the centre also acts as a dynamic neighbourhood hub, welcoming people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the 24-hour gym, café, multipurpose spaces and premium amenities.
Project goals and objectives
As the centrepiece of the Victorian Government’s vision to redevelop the historic Fitzroy Gasworks site, the Bundha Sports Centre was designed by CO.OP, a leading architect firm specialising in social infrastructure, with Built Environs managing the construction of the vertically stacked layout. The combination of innovative design and strategic material choices (such as the use of durable plywood panels) kept the project on budget while adding visual appeal and bringing a welcoming, natural warmth to the light-filled spaces.
Celebrating its cultural connection, the southern facade features a striking mural by Wurundjeri man Alex Kerr, weaving themes of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country with First Peoples’ sporting heroes to inspire and connect with the local community.
Plywood elements
To meet the rigorous demands of a high-traffic, multi-use sports facility while cultivating a welcoming atmosphere, the selection of Maxi Panel Monterey Pine in Warm Chestnut proved to be an inspired choice. As our most popular pre-finished plywood panel, Maxi Panel effortlessly excels in every area, pairing the robust durability essential for a bustling community hub with striking aesthetics. Favoured by architects as their material of choice for sports stadiums, the attractive open grain of the Monterey Pine timber panelling brings the interiors to life by adding essential texture, warmth and natural colour.
For the Bundha Sports Centre project, the rich tones of the Warm Chestnut finish beautifully soften the immense scale of the vertically stacked building. By seamlessly pairing high-performance functionality with striking timber aesthetics, our plywood panels helped transform this modern sports centre into an inviting, lively environment for the entire North Fitzroy community.
Product: Maxi Panel Monterey Pine in Warm Chestnut
Project partners
Architect: CO.OP
Builder: Built Environs
Talk to us about your upcoming project today.
Versatile, durable and aesthetically appealing, our plywood products offer a vibrant option for both residential and commercial designs. Contact our team today to discuss how plywood walls, ceilings and joinery can elevate your next project to a new level.
Project scope
Maxi Panel Monterey Pine Warm Chestnut
Completed
2025
Location
VIC
Photography by Craig Moodie
Project
CO.OP
How do you fit a multi-use community sports complex into the densely populated inner-city suburb of North Fitzroy? You build up of course, which is how the Bundha Sports Centre, Australia’s first vertically stacked, multi-level sports hub came to life. A state-of-the-art community facility built for sports, wellness and connection, the centre’s innovative design includes an array of visually stunning elements, enhanced by the extensive use of plywood panels throughout the expansive space.
Project background
Conceptualised as a solution to address the shortage of recreational space in the inner city, this groundbreaking, all-electric facility is designed to achieve a 5-star Green Star rating. Equipped with five competition-standard indoor courts spanning across three levels, Bundha plays host to basketball, netball, volleyball and futsal games along with casual shooting sessions. Beyond this, the centre also acts as a dynamic neighbourhood hub, welcoming people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the 24-hour gym, café, multipurpose spaces and premium amenities.
Project goals and objectives
As the centrepiece of the Victorian Government’s vision to redevelop the historic Fitzroy Gasworks site, the Bundha Sports Centre was designed by CO.OP, a leading architect firm specialising in social infrastructure, with Built Environs managing the construction of the vertically stacked layout. The combination of innovative design and strategic material choices (such as the use of durable plywood panels) kept the project on budget while adding visual appeal and bringing a welcoming, natural warmth to the light-filled spaces.
Celebrating its cultural connection, the southern facade features a striking mural by Wurundjeri man Alex Kerr, weaving themes of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country with First Peoples’ sporting heroes to inspire and connect with the local community.
Plywood elements
To meet the rigorous demands of a high-traffic, multi-use sports facility while cultivating a welcoming atmosphere, the selection of Maxi Panel Monterey Pine in Warm Chestnut proved to be an inspired choice. As our most popular pre-finished plywood panel, Maxi Panel effortlessly excels in every area, pairing the robust durability essential for a bustling community hub with striking aesthetics. Favoured by architects as their material of choice for sports stadiums, the attractive open grain of the Monterey Pine timber panelling brings the interiors to life by adding essential texture, warmth and natural colour.
For the Bundha Sports Centre project, the rich tones of the Warm Chestnut finish beautifully soften the immense scale of the vertically stacked building. By seamlessly pairing high-performance functionality with striking timber aesthetics, our plywood panels helped transform this modern sports centre into an inviting, lively environment for the entire North Fitzroy community.
Product: Maxi Panel Monterey Pine in Warm Chestnut
Project partners
Architect: CO.OP
Builder: Built Environs
Talk to us about your upcoming project today.
Versatile, durable and aesthetically appealing, our plywood products offer a vibrant option for both residential and commercial designs. Contact our team today to discuss how plywood walls, ceilings and joinery can elevate your next project to a new level.
Project scope
Maxi Panel Monterey Pine Warm Chestnut
Completed
2025
Location
VIC
