Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub

Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub Rooty Hill, NSW Project Details Location: 25 Blacktown Olympic Avenue. Rooty Hill, New South Wales 2766 Scope: Comprehensive façade redevelopment, integrating innovative safety and design features. Completion Year: 2023 Architect: ARM Architecture Builder/Contractor: Buildcorp  ShapeShift Product: ShapeShell™-RC advanced Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) façade panels Shaping Sport Excellence with ShapeShell™ RC The Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology (BEST) Hub is a state-of-the-art sports, health, and education precinct located within the Blacktown International Sports Park (BISP) in Rooty Hill, New South Wales, Australia. The project is spearheaded by Blacktown City Council as part of its long-term strategic vision to enhance community well-being, sports performance, and educational research.  The ShapeShell™ – RC Integration at BEST Collaborating with ARM Architecture and Buildcorp, we supplied 1,000 precision-engineered ShapeShell™–RC (the next generation of GRC/GFRC) external facade panels that not only seamlessly blend intricate geometry with a lightweight structure for efficient installation, but also provide a sustainable high-performance solution.    Finished in a striking high-gloss automotive coating, our ShapeShell™–RC external facade panels played a crucial role in bringing the architect’s vision to life, drawing inspiration from diverse cultural architecture, including Indian temples and Turkish bathhouses.  Project Vision and Architectural Significance Located in the world-class precinct of the Blacktown International Sports Park, the Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub (BEST) is set to become yet another premier resource in the heart of Western Sydney Blacktown City Council.  The state-of-the-art complex combines advanced sports science, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation facilities with cutting-edge amenities, including a strength and conditioning gym, indoor running track, lecture theatre, and recovery pools with a sauna.  Partnering with the Australian Catholic University, Sydney West Sports Medicine, WentWest – Western Sydney PHN, and the AFL – Australian Football League, BEST benefits teams and organizations based at the Sports Park, such as the Western Sydney Wanderers FC, GWS GIANTS, Sydney Blue Sox, Sydney Thunder, NSW Breakers, and the Young Matildas.  Collaborating with ARM Architecture and Buildcorp, we supplied ShapeShell™-RC (the next generation of GRC/GFRC) external panels for the striking high-gloss black façade, ensuring the intricate geometry aligned with the architectural vision while also delivering on buildability, durability, sustainability, and low maintenance.  The ShapeShell™-RC Solution Innovative Design: ShapeShell™ RC – Reinforced Concrete has been instrumental in BEST Hub’s striking façade, which is inspired by diverse cultural architectures, including Indian temples and Turkish bathhouses. The material’s adaptability has enabled a design that stands out as a local landmark, reflecting the spirited community of Blacktown.   Technical Superiority: The lightweight yet robust nature of ShapeShell™ RC allowed for a re-engineered building structure, optimising the use of space and resources. This innovation added an extra floor to the project and expedited the construction timeline, marking significant gains for both the developer and the builder.   Cultural Synergy: The design intricacies facilitated by ShapeShell™ RC at BEST Hub resonate with the facility’s mission to serve the wider community, promoting inclusivity and physical literacy. The material’s versatility has supported the creation of spaces that encourage physical and mental well-being.   Sustainable Solutions: ShapeShell™ RC’s utilisation in BEST Hub underscores a commitment to sustainability with designs that foster energy efficiency and environmental consciousness. This reflects ShapeShift’s dedication to integrating high-performance materials with green building practices.   Community Impact: Using ShapeShell™ RC, the BEST Hub has become a nexus for sports science, health, and community engagement, enriching the lives of Blacktown residents and positioning the facility as a cornerstone for athletic and health excellence. Outcome & Legacy The Blacktown Exercise and Sports Technology Hub (BEST) has won GOLD in the ‘Architecture – Public and Institutional’ category of the 2024 Sydney Design Awards. Our ShapeShell™-RC (the next generation of GRC/GFRC) external wall panels for the striking black façade, blending design innovation with sustainability.  Commissioned by Blacktown City Council as part of their award-winning Transformational Projects Program, BEST was designed by ARM Architecture, with landscape architecture by Architectus (formerly Scott Carver). CO.OP Studio was executive architect, with contractors Buildcorp.  Discover More About Our Cladding Solutions ShapeShift provides innovative, sustainable, and high-quality cladding solutions for modern architectural projects. If you’re ready to bring your vision to life with ShapeShell’s advanced GRC composite materials, contact us today. Contact Us Discuss Your Needs

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Powerhouse Museum Parramatta

Home Powerhouse Museum Parramatta Parramatta, NSW Architect: Genton Builder: Lendlease Product: ShapeShell™-RC Surface Area: Facade Panels Application: Standard Facade Panels Responsibility: Design, Engineer & Manufacture of Feature Elements Details The Powerhouse Museum Parramatta is an iconic cultural landmark set to redefine contemporary museum design with its impressive architectural exoskeleton. ShapeShift is proud to have contributed to this visionary project by providing advanced Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) façade systems. Our role in design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply ensured the successful realisation of the complex architectural forms. Feldspar, a key mineral, is incorporated into our ShapeShell RC/GRC panels, enhancing durability, strength, and a natural stone-like quartz finish, delivering a visually striking and sustainable façade.  ShapeShift Technologies played a crucial role in the Powerhouse Museum Parramatta project by delivering robust Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) façade systems tailored to meet the project’s demanding requirements. Our expertise in design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply ensured the seamless installation of the museum’s intricate architectural exoskeleton. 

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One Sydney Harbour

Home One Sydney Harbour Sydney, NSW Architect: Renzo Piano Builder: Lendlease Product: ShapeShell™-RC Surface Area: Facade Panels Application: Standard Facade Panels (72 floors) Responsibility: Design, Engineer & Manufacture of Feature Elements Details

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Parramatta Public School

            Home Parramatta Public School Parramatta, NSW Architect: Grimshaw Builder: Watpac Product: ShapeShell™-RC Surface Area: Facade Panels Application: Standard Panels Responsibility: Design, Engineer & Manufacture of Feature Elements Details

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Moondani Balluk

Home Moondani Balluk, Victoria University Footscray, VIC Architect: Gresley Abas Architecture Builder: SHAPE Product: ShapeShell™-RC Surface Area: Facade Extender Application: Planter Boxes Responsibility: Design, Engineer & Manufacture of Feature Elements Details

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Taronga Zoo

                  Home Taronga Zoo Sydney, NSW Architect: Cox Richardson Architecture Builder: Taylor Group Product: ShapeShell™-RC Surface Area: Terrace Application: Planter Boxes Responsibility: Design, Engineer & Manufacture of Feature Elements Details

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Gem Apartment

                    Home Gem Apartments Williamstown, VIC Architect: Elenberg Fraser Builder: BuildCorp Commercial Product: ShapeShell™-RC Surface Area: Terrace Application: Planter Boxes Responsibility: Design, Engineer & Manufacture of Feature Elements Details

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Piccolo House

Home Piccolo House Melbourne, VIC Architect: Taylor. Cullity. Lethlean (T.C.L) Builder: Lang Construction Product: ShapeShell™-RC Surface Area: Terrace Application: Planter Boxes Responsibility: Design, Engineer & Manufacture of Feature Elements Details Located on the terrace of Piccolo Developments head office, these GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) planters offer a unique geometric element that represents the company’s unique way of defining luxury and style. These four unique planters share sweeping curves and lines making the terrace a welcoming area of retreat with an amazing view of Melbourne CDB. The complex geometry of the planters was a key element offered by the CNC (Computer Numerical Control) capabilities at ShapeShift. The ability to make complex moulds for GRC products is a step above any other GRC supplier which gives ShapeShift its technological edge.  

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The Allen Pavilion

Home The Allen Pavilion Houston, TX Architect: HOK, TX (Hellmuth Obata Kassabaum) Builder: GT Leach Product: ShapeShell™-RT Area: 4,730 m² Application: Facade, Roof & Soffit Responsibility: Design, Engineer & Manufacture of Feature Elements Details Officially opening in the first quarter of 2021, The Allen Lifestyle Pavilion, located in the heart of Houston, Texas, is a 4-storey retail and amenity centre forming part of the larger Allen mixed-use development. Spanning six acres alongside Buffalo Bayou Park, the pavilion integrates luxury retail, first-class dining, and an exclusive fitness facility, providing a vibrant lifestyle destination for residents and visitors alike. A rooftop bar and restaurant offer panoramic views of the adjacent parklands, creating a seamless connection between the natural environment and cutting-edge architectural design. Working closely with DC Partners and the global architecture and planning firm HOK, ShapeShift Technologies delivered customised ShapeShell™ RT facade rainscreen for the pavilion’s distinctive curved façade. These panels, designed to resemble a steel finish, were a critical solution to achieve the seamless, sleek aesthetic envisioned for the project. ShapeShell™ RT panels provided a lightweight yet robust alternative to traditional materials, meeting the structural and design requirements without compromising durability. An innovative cladding system, never used before in the United States, lends the retail pavilion and tower podium a cohesive, modern expression. In placing the tower on a podium, the design reduces the verticality of the building at street level, helping integrate it with nearby buildings and preserve the scale of the neighborhood. All parking is strategically located either below grade or within the podium, enhancing the overall pedestrian experience within the development.

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Pakenham Station

Pakenham Station

Pakenham Station Melbourne, VIC Project Details Location: Railway Ave & Henry Rd, Pakenham VIC 3810, Australia Scope: Complex, curved geometry of the roof canopy, providing both aesthetic and sustainability benefits. Architect: Genton Completion Year: 2024 Developer: Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) Installing Contractor: FacadeX Main Construction Partners: John Holland, KBR, and Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) – Key contributors under the North Western Program Alliance ShapeShift Product: ShapeShell™-RT canopy panels Advanced Digital Fabrication at Pakenham Station Redevelopment Located in Melbourne’s South-East, the new Pakenham Train Station is a premium commuter and regional railway station on the Pakenham line, designed to support the busy pedestrian and shopping precinct and create safer, more direct links between public transport, additional parking and the town centre.   Pakenham Station Design Inten The design was inspired by the regional landscape, particularly Pakenham’s rolling hills and bronze sunsets, with the roof canopy’s profile mirroring the undulating terrain and warm hues of the region. The station incorporates 14 skylights within the roof canopy, allowing natural light to permeate the interior, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and enhancing the ambiance. The station was conceived to act as both a functional transport hub and a modern architectural landmark, improving community access and functionality with integrated public spaces, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting systems that support the station’s sustainability goals. Officially opening in June 2024, the spacious, light-filled station features a new courtyard with lush green landscaping and seating areas, adding a touch of nature to the structural design. Other additions include a bus interchange, 450 car spaces, secure bike parking, walking and cycling paths, and two dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones—making journeys more reliable and efficient for thousands of travellers every weekday.   Project Collaboration The project involved collaboration between key companies, including John Holland, KBR, and Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM), as part of the North Western Program Alliance. This alliance was tasked with removing three level crossings and constructing the new Pakenham and East Pakenham stations, significantly enhancing the rail corridor. This project, a collaboration between architectural firm Genton and ShapeShift Technologies, introduced advanced digital fabrication techniques, notably the use of ShapeShell™ RT, to deliver a sustainable and accurate construction. The Advancement and Sustainability Behind The Project ShapeShift’s involvement was pivotal in the design and construction of Pakenham Station’s distinctive roof canopy. Utilising ShapeShell™ RT, a fibre-composite material typically employed in aerospace and nautical industries, the team achieved a roof profile inspired by Pakenham’s rolling hills and bronze sunsets. This material choice allowed for a reduction in steel usage and energy consumption during manufacturing and transportation. The integration of skylights within the roof canopy not only elevated the station’s aesthetic appeal but also contributed to sustainability by minimising the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.  The canopy was also created using 3D printing technology, marking it as one of the first of its kind in Australia. This innovative process that created the unique roof profile inspired by Pakenham’s rolling hills and bronze sunsets, integrating advanced manufacturing processes with architectural vision. The team employed large-format CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machines to cut master patterns directly from 3D digital files, ensuring precision and efficiency. These CNC machines are among the largest in the southern hemisphere, underscoring the project’s scale and ambition.  The use of 3D printing technology also contributed to sustainability by reducing raw material use and minimising waste. The project also features additional green initiatives, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, which align with broader sustainability goals and demonstrate a commitment to responsible resource use, further enhancing the project’s overall environmental footprint. The process minimised raw material usage and reduced the need for multiple prototypes, aligning with the project’s environmental objectives. Additionally, the precision of digital fabrication facilitated unitisation, simplifying installation and enhancing overall efficiency.  Contribution A key feature of the modern-designed station and our contribution to the project is the iconic roof canopy, which was inspired by the signature bronzed sunsets of Australia and the rolling hills landscape of Pakenham with its curved structure.    Utilising our ShapeShell™-RT (the next generation of FRP) material, we provided a low maintenance, low environmental impact solution, whilst achieving the desired custom colour and finish – all critical elements to the overall success of the project.  Outcome & Legacy The Pakenham Station redevelopment exemplifies the successful integration of advanced digital fabrication techniques in public infrastructure projects. ShapeShift Technologies’ application of ShapeShell™ RT and digital manufacturing processes, in collaboration with Genton, delivered a sustainable, efficient, and architecturally distinctive station that serves as a model for future infrastructure projects. Discover More ShapeShift provides innovative, sustainable, and high-quality canopy and roofing solutions for modern architectural projects. If you’re ready to bring your vision to life with ShapeShell’s advanced FRP materials, contact us today! Contact Us Discuss Your Needs

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