Club Helensvale Bowling Canopy Stage 2
Project Details
Location: Helensvale, QLD
Completion Date: September 2024
Size: 2145 sqm
Fabric: PTFE - Chukoh FGT800
Client: Club Helensvale
Following the success of the first canopy, Club Helensvale fast-tracked the installation of a second bowling green canopy as part of its long-term development plan. The Club Helensvale Bowling Canopy Stage 2 not only provides a cohesive aesthetic but also offers enhanced comfort for members, particularly during Queensland’s hot summer months. This second phase highlights the club’s commitment to providing top-tier facilities, ensuring year-round bowling under the shelter of high-performance tensile architecture.
The Brief
In collaboration with BSPN Architecture and Ashley Cooper Construction, MakMax Australia was tasked with designing and installing a canopy that would match the visual impact and structural performance of the first canopy. The challenge lay in the fact that the bowling greens were not aligned, requiring the Stage 2 canopy to connect seamlessly from the second-to-last column of the first canopy while extending further at the non-clubhouse end.
To maintain architectural harmony, the profile of the second stage was mirrored along the signature ascending edgebeam design from the first canopy. The unique rising central beam creates a stunning open-air feature that enhances the aesthetic appeal and provides a continuous visual connection between the two canopies.
The Concept
The most striking architectural feature of the second canopy is the continuation of the dramatic ascending edgebeam. The low-set horizontal edgebeams create a grounded, stable base, while the central beam rises, evoking a sense of openness akin to a cathedral.
This design not only delivers a high-ceiling, light-filled space but also transforms the dual canopies into a visually striking architectural statement. The high central beam allows uninterrupted views across both bowling greens from the club’s elevated bowler’s lounge, contributing to an almost stadium-like atmosphere.
The Materials
As with the first canopy, Chukoh FGT-800 PTFE was selected for the membrane material due to its durability, light transmission properties, and resistance to Queensland’s intense UV exposure. The material’s translucency allows for excellent natural lighting while providing optimal weather protection, ensuring the canopy is both functional and visually appealing.
The Result
The greens beneath the double canopy structure at Club Helensvale has become immediate favourites among members, even surpassing the popularity of the club’s prestigious grass green (Green 3). The light, airy atmosphere created by the canopies enhances the playing experience, offering shade, comfort, and protection from the elements. The canopies have quickly become the centrepiece of the club’s facilities, elevating the venue’s reputation as one of Australia’s premier lawn bowling clubs.
