Sports Infrastructure:Why Mass Timber is the Future
Australia’s Sports Infrastructure Challenge
Australia faces a growing sports infrastructure gap, with aging facilities and increasing demand caused by growing population. In some regions, sports facility delivery must increase by 40% to keep pace with rising populations and replace outdated venues. Source.
The pressure is mounting. In the coming days, the National Aquatic Industry Committee will meet to address a looming issue - 40% of aquatic facilities will reach the end of their lifespan this decade. As a proud nation of swimmers the lack of facilities should worry every Australian. Source.
At the same time, with construction responsible for 39% of global carbon emissions, we must rethink how we design, build, and future-proof sports infrastructure for the next generation. Source.
A Return to Smarter Building
For decades, steel and concrete have been the go-to materials for long-span sports structures like grandstands, stadiums, sports halls, and aquatic centres. But it hasn’t always been that way.
One of Australia’s earliest examples of community sports infrastructure, the first MCG grandstand (1854) was made from timber. Interestingly, the same grandstand was sold, relocated, and reassembled at the Richmond Football Club in 1881 (an early example of the circular economy in action!).
The 1854 MCG timber grandstand was later relocated to Richmond Football Club.
Source.
The roof of Portugal national Velodrome at Sangalhos, Anadia spans over 100m and was assembled in just 18 weeks.
Today, advancements in timber engineering have redefined what's possible. Much like the industrialisation of steel production made steel trusses commonplace, the rise of glue-laminated timber (glulam or GLT) columns and beams is revolutionising timber construction and changing the materials we use for sports infrastructure.
Timber trusses are able to efficiently span over 100+ metres, making large timber venues and roofs more achievable than ever. Factory prefabrication has also transformed timber construction, making it faster, safer, and more efficient to build with timber than steel and concrete.
Game-Changing Mass Timber Projects
The shift toward low-carbon, sustainable sports infrastructure is already happening. Where we see this best is in the Olympics. For example:
- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has introduced the New Norms, which include 100 sustainability measures—one of which is prioritising mass timber in construction. Source.
- Paris 2024 Olympics has been dubbed The Timber Games, with France mandating that all new public buildings use at least 50% timber in their construction.
- Brisbane 2032 Olympics is targeting 6-Star Green Star ratings for all new and upgraded sports venues. Source.
An early proporal for the $205m Moreton Bay Sports Centre – one of Queenslands’s proposed Olympic venues, featuring glue-laminated timber beams and columns.
Game-Changing Mass Timber Projects
Mass timber is already proving itself in large-scale infrastructure projects:
- Sydney Fish Market – Featuring the largest timber roof in the Southern Hemisphere covering a massive 6,000m².
- Stromlo Leisure Centre – Australia’s longest-spanning glulam roofing structure, covering a 50m pool with precision-engineered timber elements.
- Eric Tweedale Stadium – A timber grandstand in Sydney’s west, demonstrating how engineered timber delivers both performance and sustainability in sports venues.
The 200m-long floating canopy at the Sydney Fish Market is made from 594 timber beams up to 32m in length and 7 tonnes.
The Advantages of Mass Timber for Sports Venues
Mass timber isn’t just greener—it’s smarter:
- Lower Carbon Footprint – Timber sequesters carbon instead of emitting it, unlike steel and concrete.
- Faster, Safer Construction – Lightweigtht prefabricated timber elements arrive ready to assemble, reducing on-site labour, lifts, and amount of work.
- Superior Durability – Unlike steel, timber doesn’t corrode, making it ideal for aquatic centres and coastal locations.
So, What’s Holding Us Back?
If timber is faster, more sustainable, and cost-effective, why aren’t we seeing more of it?
- Fire Concerns?
- Issues with Durability?
- Fear of the unknown?
With modern glue-laminated timber (GLT) and cross-laminated timber (CLT), those concerns are outdated. Mass timber can do what steel and concrete never could—and Theca Timber is here to help.
Now’s the Time to Act—We Can Help
If you’re planning a sports infrastructure project, now is the time to consider mass timber. Download our guide to learn about:
- Timber innovations & cost comparisons
- Prefabrication & construction efficiencies
- Responsible sourcing & supply chain best practices
Let’s Talk!
The future of sports infrastructure is sustainable, efficient, and built with timber. Let’s make it happen together.
- NSW & ACT: timothy@theca.com.au
- All Other Enquiries: adam@theca.com.au
Contact:
timothy@theca.com.au (NSW&ACT)
adam@theca.com.au (All other enquiries)