The new Athletes Residences represent a final stage in the first major upgrading program undertaken at the AIS since its establishment. The buildings were to provide a robust and secure environment for a residential population that varied greatly in age from elite athletes in their teenager years requiring adult supervision to young adults requiring independence.

The facility is described as containing “elements of a university campus, a hall of residence and a home”. The project comprises of 140 units for live-in athletes including house parents and supervisors.

While residential security was a key factor to ensure that athletes are housed in secure rooms, the complex was also required to project a friendly and hospitable living environment with access to common rooms, the athlete dining area and recreation lounge.

The construction system of the main administration building comprises: concrete piers; footings and a conventional on ground slab. The upper mezzanines in this building are supported by a structural steel frame and post tensioned slab. In the belly of the building, there’s a central plant which heats and cools the water that channels beneath your feet. Two doors, one snug against the other, break the cocoon of insulation, which keeps the noise of the plant from travelling to the neighbouring study rooms.

The individual three storey accommodation blocks are linked together by a structural steel walkway and link structure. Each accommodation block comprises of: concrete piers; footings; conventional ground slab; load bearing blockwork; and precast concrete floor panel slabs for the upper floors. The third floor of the structure comprises a timber frame and a timber truss roof.