Wantirna South, VIC
Knox City Council
2021-2022
Synthetic Surface | Hockey
In response to the rising demand for sustainable sports facilities, Knox City Council commissioned SPORTENG to prepare a comprehensive Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) for the proposed Knox Hockey Facility at Wantirna Reserve.
This ambitious project aimed to develop a full-sized synthetic grass hockey pitch, complete with surrounding infrastructure while adhering to stringent sustainability guidelines set forth by the Council.
The Knox Hockey project faced several significant challenges:
SPORTENG devised several innovative solutions to tackle these challenges.
First, the proposed use of a Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH) approved tier two (2) dry sand-filled artificial grass system eliminated the need for irrigation, significantly reducing water usage. Plus, the reduced maintenance requirements of synthetic turf compared to natural grass lowered ongoing energy consumption.
The design included a sophisticated stormwater management system featuring a vegetated swale drain, a bio-infiltration basin within a detention basin, and a Raingarden, capable of treating runoff to achieve reductions in suspended solids (80%), phosphorus and nitrogen (45%), and litter (70%).
To meet the 70% recycling target, excess spoil from site cuts was repurposed to create an earth fill viewing mound, which was then hydroseeded. SPORTENG also recommended including key performance indicators in contractor documentation to ensure ongoing waste minimization.
The project proposed the use of recycled crushed concrete for segmental paving, covering approximately 700 square meters, or 9% of the total development area, surpassing the 5% minimum recycled content requirement.
A detention basin was designed to manage stormwater discharge, ensuring no net increase in runoff volumes from pre- to post-development.
The Knox Hockey Facility project successfully met all specified sustainability targets.
The facility achieved over 40% efficiency improvements in water and energy use, largely due to the adoption of the synthetic grass system and reduced maintenance needs.
The project met the 70% recycling target for demolition and construction waste, with effective reuse of site spoil and stringent contractor waste management protocols.
The stormwater management system fulfilled 100% of BPEM targets, ensuring significant reductions in pollutants and maintaining stormwater discharge neutrality.
The incorporation of recycled crushed concrete in the segmental paving surpassed the 5% minimum target, demonstrating the project’s commitment to sustainable construction practices.
Westend Griffith
Location : Griffith, NSW
Scope : Athletics | Synthetic surface | Natural surface | Acrylic | Hockey | Netball | Basketball
Year : 2020-2023
Footscray Hockey Club
Location : Footscray, VIC
Scope : Synthetic Turf | Hockey
Year : 2019-2020
Monash University
Location : Frankston, VIC
Scope : Synthetic Turf | Hockey
Year : 2016