Mooloolaba

The Original

Mooloolaba Bowls Club’s leaning arch structure is an international award-winning original copyright design by Trevor Scott.

Installed in 2011 it was in response to Club Mooloolaba's tender for a structure to cover the club’s two bowling greens (3253m2).

“The Government of the day planned to widen the road in front of our facility and we had received financial compensation for the resumption of our land,” says Mooloolaba Bowls Club Chairman Col Pritchard.

“We decided that the best use for that funding was to upgrade our facility to allow for use at any time of day, and in any weather conditions. Given our location, protection from the sun (in particular), was a major consideration.”

The Experience

“Working with Trevor was exceptional, says Col. “Because of his outstanding work ethic and design and building knowledge, we felt complete confidence in his ability.

“We were more than happy to leave the design largely to him. It really is his ‘baby’.

“I believe our structure is unique in Australia, because it is the only shade structure that spans two bowling greens without any internal support. It is one of a kind, and I am aware that Trevor has been recognised and awarded Internationally for it.

Standing the test of time (& weather)

Since 2011, the Mooloolaba design has withstood two of the wettest years on record since 1950, and two tropical cyclones.

“It has also survived relentless, corrosive ocean breeze,” says Col. “We are very close to Mooloolaba main beach.”

Mooloolaba Icon

“We get calls about it constantly from bowling clubs around Australia, and it has become an iconic structure in Mooloolaba.

“We have recently had LED lighting installed, which has dramatically improved the quality of light for night time bowls, and we are assured it will also decrease our power bills.

The Result

“The members of our club are absolutely wrapped,” says Col. “Now there is no need for sunscreen and hats, and they can enjoy their sport in all conditions.

“Participation has increased as a result, and time poor players are now drawn to our club as they are able to play after hours. This segment of our membership has increased dramatically.

“We have introduced a Business League to encourage a broader group of people to the sport, and strategies like these are keeping our game and our club alive. We believe the entire community has benefitted.

“We would do anything to make other clubs aware of Trevor Scott, because his input and knowledge has transformed our facility, and by extension, our club."

Project Details

Unconventionally, the striking beauty of Club Mooloolaba's Leaning Arch Structure is held on the underbelly of the 3253sqm fabric canopy. As an alternative to the visual clutter of trussed steel Lightweight Structures pioneered a wishbone/leaning arch structural support configuration of large sections of heavy-duty pipe to span the project width of 42mts.

At a height of 9.5 mts, over the project length of 76 mts, the fabric canopy appears to hug the wishbone/leaning arch supports. Adding contrast to the canopy’s form. Halfway between each arch support, cables tension the fabric creating a series of deep valleys.

The end result is dramatic: clean elegant design lines, combined with an undulating fabric line and soaring height creates an open expanse that has transformed the once exposed site into an iconic landmark within the region.

The Leaning Arch Structure is an original copyright design developed by Trevor Scott and submitted in May 2011 in response to Club Mooloolaba's tender for a design proposal for a structure to cover the club’s two bowling greens (3253m2).

Key features of this design include:

Ridge and valley style structure, formed by the combination of wishbone configuration/leaning arch sections supporting the membrane canopy. Valley cabling on the top surface of the membrane canopy running the across the width of the structure
Multiples of wishbone configuration/leaning arch supporting the tensile canopy, creating ridges and valleys;
Wishbone configuration/leaning arch sections creating triangular configurations from the centre attachment point to the outside edges of the arch members and perimeter frame;
Valley cables positioned on the top surface of the fabric canopy, creating valleys in the canopy stabilising the fabric and providing the ability to re-tension after a significant storm event.
Low perimeter beam at both sides and ends of structure offering maximum weather protection.
Light droppers extend from the wishbone configuration/leaning arch supporting the up lights allowing for shadow-free night time use.
To see Lightweight Structures International Achievement Award for Mooloolaba Project, follow this LINK.