Stonnington Sports Centre

Stonnington Sports Centre sits quietly alongside the scale and intensity of Chadstone, yet inside, it reveals a space defined by movement, performance and control. Designed by Williams Ross Architects and delivered by ADCO Constructions, the 4000m² facility brings together four multipurpose courts within a single, expansive volume — a place where netball, basketball, volleyball and badminton coexist, each demanding clarity, durability and precision from the environment that surrounds them.

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In a setting where energy is constant and impact is inevitable, the ceiling becomes more than a backdrop. It is an active contributor to how the space performs. The integration of AMF Heradesign Superfine wood wool panels introduces a layer of resilience and refinement that responds directly to these demands. Installed across the ceiling plane, the 25mm thick panels provide a robust surface capable of withstanding the realities of a high-use sporting environment, where equipment, movement and unpredictability are part of the daily rhythm.

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At the same time, their acoustic performance plays a defining role in shaping the experience of the space. With an NRC of 0.90, the panels absorb sound with efficiency, reducing reverberation and controlling the build-up of noise that typically defines large indoor courts.

The result is a space where communication remains clear, where instruction can be heard without strain, and where the overall atmosphere feels measured rather than overwhelming. It is a subtle but critical shift — one that supports both performance and wellbeing.

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Visually, the white finish maintains a sense of clarity and openness, allowing the volume of the gymnasium to feel light and cohesive despite its scale. The fine texture of the wood wool introduces just enough depth to soften the environment, balancing the harder materials typically found in sports facilities. Installed by Delta Interiors, the system has been executed with a level of precision that ensures consistency across the expansive ceiling plane, reinforcing the architectural intent without distraction.

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Stonnington Sports Centre ultimately demonstrates how performance-driven design does not need to compromise on experience. Through the considered integration of durable, acoustic materials, the project creates a space that supports intensity while maintaining control — a place where sport, sound and structure are carefully aligned.