Ahead of the AFL's annual Gather Round, the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters partnered with BB Architects to upgrade the player and coaching facilities at Norwood Oval, ensuring they met the standards expected for elite-level football.
Collaboration with BB Architects
Working alongside architects David Brown and James Heinrich, botton+gardiner supplied a customised Avenue Cantilevered Seating solution to replace the existing polypropylene seating. The project presented several structural challenges, with drainage infrastructure below the seating area preventing ground fixing and existing windows limiting wall-mounted options. A custom-engineered support structure was developed to accommodate the installation.
Custom Avenue Cantilever Seating Solution
Manufactured locally by botton+gardiner, the seating featured Duraslat timber-look battens and custom removable seat and back cushions upholstered in Baresque's Alfresco outdoor vinyl in Indigo. The result is a durable, low-maintenance seating solution that delivers both comfort and a refined architectural aesthetic.
To support ongoing venue operations, the custom cushions are designed to be removed and stored when Norwood Oval hosts local competition matches, before being reinstated for AFL fixtures.
Seamless Project Delivery
Installed by Niara Built and completed in time for Gather Round, the project required close coordination between the design, engineering and construction teams to meet a demanding delivery program.
Reflecting on the project, Sylvia Soon, Building Assets Manager at the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, said:
Having them delivered a full week before the game was a lifesaver. It gave us the critical buffer we needed for installation and electrical works, allowing us to hit our milestones perfectly.
Project Outcome
The completed upgrade has transformed the player and coaching facilities at Norwood Oval, replacing outdated seating with a premium AFL-standard solution that balances comfort, durability and architectural design. The project showcases the value of collaboration between architects, contractors and specialist manufacturers to deliver high-quality outcomes under tight timeframes.
