“WE WERE LOOKING FOR AN AESTHETIC STRUCTURE THAT WAS QUICK TO BUILD”,

 

Since the month of June, Granville (50), a town of nearly 13,000 inhabitants, has had a new covered structure for two of its tennis courts. It chose the SMC2 concept for the modernity of its structure and its speed of construction. Roger Davy, the town’s councillor for sports, looks back on this investment.

 

What was the origin of this project?
For the last 20 years or so, we had two resin courts covered with an inflatable bubble. That covering system was not optimal because it flew off two or three times during major windy spells leading to expensive repairs that took several weeks. In 2017, the gust of wind was stronger than previously and the bubble ripped, requiring repairs that needed a significant investment. This incident accelerated our project to change the structure for these two courts in order to invest in a robust and sustainable system.

 

Why did you choose the SMC2 concept?
Firstly, the site is located near Christian Dior’s childhood home, which has become a museum. So we wanted a modern and aesthetic structure, we couldn’t just put up any old building. During our visits to SMC2 buildings, we greatly appreciated the mix of glue-laminated timber and textile roofing.
Secondly, the construction speed was an important factor, because putting two courts out of action was very problematic for the members of the town’s tennis club (over 300). After the preparatory work (widening of the concrete platform, levelling…), the construction barely took 4 months.

 

Can you present the new structure?
It is an 8 metre high, 36 x 36 m building housing two courts. Its dimensions comply with the French Tennis Federation’s rules and can accommodate competitions. At the top is the stretched fabric cover that provides a lot of natural light, which was not the case before with the bubble as players had to systematically use lighting. We therefore make significant energy savings. The lower part of the structure is made of timber cladding and metal. Inside, we chose wood cladding on the sides. Furthermore, this concept provides very interesting hygrometric comfort, in particular with a constant temperature avoiding having to heat the courts and a humidity level of 65%.
In addition to the two courts, the building also has a 26 m2 equipment storage area and a 14 m2 club office.

 

What is the first feedback?
During the summer the outdoor clay courts are mainly used, so the club’s members have been using the indoor courts since the end of September. The first feedback is very positive, especially concerning playing comfort. For example, they no longer hear the continuous droning noise that was present with the bubble and they benefit from the very pleasant natural light.

 

Photo Credits: Granville town hall

The entire SMC2 team thanks you for your confidence that you have granted us this year again !

SMC2 would like to thank you for the trust you placed in us once again this year, in this very special context. We are proud of our volunteer teams, who have enabled us to complete our works under restrictive conditions, and we would like to give our full support to the service providers, partners and clients who may have encountered difficulties this year!

We were at your side and we will remain so !

This pandemic has confirmed our values :

– to promote and democratise sporting activities for the health and well-being of all,

– favour environmentally friendly and sustainable buildings to limit our ecological impact,

– enhance the value of sports and play structures in covered outdoor 4 seasons for a better interaction with green spaces and limit urban benchmarking,

– continue to innovate to show our confidence in the future, continue to imagine pleasant and sustainable territories to live better together!

We therefore wish you perfect health and prosperous finances, numerous projects and full success in everything you undertake!

“A two-in-one sports facility for Luzech”

 

For more than a year, the town of Luzech (46) and its 2,000 inhabitants have been enjoying a covered sports hall including a multi-sports surface and a tennis court. The town’s major Gérard Alazard talks about the completed project.

Why did you decide to build this sports facility?
Our previous secondary and primary schools, with a respective capacity of 250 and 200 pupils, were redesigned into a brand new school complex with a much larger admittance (700). To cater to these new requirements, we had to add a second sports facility to the existing gymnasium. Because we already had rugby changing rooms that were not being used during working hours on weekdays, the extra sports grounds were all that was missing.

Why did you choose the structure proposed by SMC2?
We are located in a historically classified area, right next to a 12th century tower. So we wanted an elegant structure that was neither massive nor imposing. In addition, the structure had to be lightweight because it was going to be built on floodable terrain.
Furthermore, the solution proposed by SMC2 is highly advantageous price-wise: a classic gymnasium would have cost about three times more. Operating costs are also much lower since the translucent fabric lets a lot of light through, making artificial lighting necessary in the evenings only. An added advantage is the fact that the facility doesn’t need to be heated.
And last but not least, the work was done fast, with earthworks beginning in November 2016 and the entire worksite completed in April 2017. The structure was assembled from late December to late March and was a genuine feat of engineering involving 24-metre long beams that had to be lifted into a hammed-in area with tricky access.

Could you introduce the building to us please?
With a floor area of 1,723 m2, the building is divided into two volumes, each featuring a different kind of sports floor. The first volume contains a multi-sports surface for handball, basketball (1 main court and 3 mini-courts running width-wise), volleyball (1 terrain main court and 3 courts width-wise), tennis and badminton (up to 7 courts). To fit all these uses, this volume has an all-purpose sports floor. The other part of the building houses a porous concrete tennis court to encourage this sports the whole year round, which isn’t the case with the existing outdoor courts. This second area also provides 4 additional badminton courts in case the timetables of the three physical education and sports teachers overlap.
This sports hall includes a lot of technical features like staggered facades, roof overhangs, relative humidity control, decorative artwork printed on frontages, etc.
In all, the structure is used 50 hours a week by the schools and about 30 hours by the sports clubs, i.e. nearly 12 hours a day. After almost a year in operation, we are highly satisfied and have had a lot of very positive feedback from regular users and visiting players alike.

 

See more about this facility

We wanted an airy covered structure for a wide range of activities.

 

In early July, Pressins (38), a town of 1,160 inhabitants, inaugurated its school’s outdoor gym. The town opted for the Preosport® solution and is now enjoying a sports facility that can host a wide selection of activities.

 

How did the project begin?
Our school, which has more than 160 pupils, didn’t have a gym area suitable for children’s activities, including sports. So we made the most of our 700 m2 plot of land adjacent to the school to build a covered structure. The aim was also to supplement our sports facilities: a tennis court, a football field and a bowling pitch.

 

Why did you choose the solution from SMC2?
The Preosport® is an airy structure that’s covered and designed to be a fully-fledged outdoor gym for use the whole year round. We also liked the fabric membrane that lets a lot of light through. In addition, it was easy to build a customised facility: its dimensions are 22 x 70 m with a height of 5.50 m under the roof. It includes several marking layouts, football goal cages, school equipment and a height-adjustable net for tennis, badminton and volleyball. As for the floor, we chose a coated aggregate solution.
It’s a structure that features a lot of highly technical solutions. For instance, it has a discreet single sloped roof to drain off rainwater from the single roof pitch located alongside an existing drainage ditch. So we didn’t need to install a special drainage system. It’s also a structure that’s ideal for multi-activities, which seamlessly matched our needs and intentions. Lastly, it was also an economic choice since the cost is significantly lower than a traditional gymnasium.

 

How is this facility being used?
It is mainly used for school and extracurricular activities, but also by the town’s associations, both sporting and others. For example, the outdoor gym is used for the school fete, jumble sale and some group meals with up to 150 guests. The gym is freely available the rest of the time. In addition, because the structure is independent from the schoolyard, we also hire it out for private events, especially evening events, as it has a manually-adjustable lighting system. Since it was inaugurated, the feedback is very positive so we’re satisfied with this investment, especially since the structure is easy to manage and requires no special maintenance.

In December 2016, Gagnac sur Garonne (31), a town of some 3,000 inhabitants, inaugurated ASTRIA, a Preosport housing a multisports area and a bowls pitch. Patrick Bergougnoux, the municipal councillor in charge of finance and project prime contractor, talks about this investment meeting a number of requirements.

 

How did the project begin?
Because the town did not have a gym, we had been intending to build a covered facility for many years to supplement the two outdoor tennis courts, two football fields, bowls pitch and the association halls (gym, dancing, music, etc.) we did have. We had a plot of land available nearby the existing structures, but it was in a flood-risk zone. After a lot of thought, we decided to invest in a Preosport from SMC2 because it demanded fewer building permit constraints than a gymnasium.

 

What was behind this choice?
It is an excellent compromise because it’s a roofed structure with closed sides that let the air in because they feature slats along the lower sections and micro-perforated fabric along the upper sections. Having a roofed facility was important to be able to host school and club activities, in particular for children. In addition, this system avoids having to pay high operating costs since there is no heating and very little lighting thanks to the structure featuring translucent tensile fabric that lets in natural light. Lastly, it blends into the environment perfectly, an important criterion for a rural town like ours.

 

Could you tell us about this sports facility?
The first section features a 45 x 36 m structure housing two multisport areas separated by a moveable net, for football, tennis, basketball, badminton and volleyball. When it’s not subdivided, the area measures 40 x 20 m and can therefore host handball and futsal matches. So, the French Football Federation has accredited this field at futsal level 3 and the two lengthwise areas (34 x 17 m) at futsal level 4. This dual playing area can host several sports activities simultaneously, which is highly appreciable because the facility is used very intensively by the two nearby schools and the Gagnac Sports and Culture Association (more than 1,600 members in all).
The second section, located further along, measures 36 x 10 m and houses a bowls pitch. It can accommodate up to 4 games for an official competition and a few more for training and friendly games.

 

What feedback have you had so far?
Feedback has been very positive since this investment has empowered the existing football, tennis and French bowls associations to continue play even in bad weather conditions. Furthermore, this facility has fostered the creation of a badminton club and is expected to provide incentive for leisure activities involving basketball or volleyball. As far as operation goes, the facility is run like a gymnasium: it is reserved to municipal and club activities with free access not currently contemplated.

Revivez l’évolution du chantier de l’Astria en vidéo

The town of Chavenay in the Yvelines department has built indoor tennis courts plus a judo and dance hall. Completed about a year ago, this sports facility is giving a new lease of life to the town’s sporting life, according to Siegfried Jahn, deputy mayor in charge of works.

 

What made you build this sports facility?
The existing sports hall was the former girls’ school: so it goes without saying that the design wasn’t right and it was very cramped. Moreover, we had no covered tennis courts, which meant a lot of members were pulling out to join clubs in the surrounding towns. The club’s membership dropped from 200 to fewer than 150 in a short lapse of time. So we obviously needed to fix the problem. And we were right to do so because our tennis club’s membership has since risen above the 200 mark. In addition, we were able to host the Gally Tournament very successfully.

 

How did you make your choice regarding the structure?
We had to respond to several constraints because we are in a historical village. So, we had to work with the architects from Bâtiments de France. For instance, we weren’t allowed to put up a bubble structure over the tennis courts like many other towns have done. We then started finding out about the other solutions available to us. We got interested in SMC2’s portfolio and roofing system, especially from the architectural design viewpoint. This was an important criterion for us. We needed a facility that met all these constraints and one that would blend seamlessly into our environment. We are entirely satisfied with our choice and I would like to commend the efficient team work that went on with the company’s technicians in addition to its professionalism.

 

Could you tell us about the facility?
Both courts (45 x 40 m) are roofed by a wood frame with large side windows. The roof features a translucent covering provided by a tensile fabric membrane and a roof frame with 100% wood cladding. The facility is very bright and is not heated, but merely tempered at 12 °C. Because of our geographical location, heating would be pointless with respect to the investment involved. This solution easily provides for use the whole year round except perhaps for a fortnight over the year in the event of extreme cold or hot weather. Both courts are lit with LED floodlight arrays. One of the courts is marked for handball (with a fold-away goalpost system) for school children.
We also have a small complex featuring a 100 m2sports hall, changing rooms, washrooms and reception. The hall is divided into two for judo and dancing. It is mainly used by the town’s multisports club as well as its schools and the outdoor leisure centre.
This structure responds to a whole series of requirements and revitalises our town’s sporting life in addition to enhancing its attractiveness.

« A structure that fits perfectly into the landscape »

 

SMC2 has just built a covered structure for two tennis courts in Courville-sur-Eure (France). Blending in perfectly with the surrounding listed monuments, it allows the club to take its development to a new level. We spoke to Jean-Philippe Récamento, president of the tennis club, who initiated the project.

 

Why did you want to cover two courts?

Until now, we only had two outdoor porous concrete courts and a few slots in two gymnasiums to practice during the winter. These conditions were insufficient to offer year-round activities to our 110 members. So, to create a new dynamic within the club, it was decided with the town hall to cover the two existing courts (while renovating them) and to build two additional outdoor courts.

 

What was the main problem with the project?

The site is located near several listed buildings (Saint-Pierre Church, Porte Saint-Nicolas, etc.), so it had to accommodate a facility that would fit in perfectly with its surroundings and meet the requirements of the Architectes des Bâtiments de France. The company SMC2 was chosen for this project and was able to adapt perfectly by proposing a structure that met the desired criteria. The white textile roofing membrane allows a maximum amount of light to pass through. It is guaranteed for 22 years and does not require any particular maintenance. On the façade, the membrane is brown in order to blend in with the park next door. In addition, the sub-base of the building is 4 m high in order to be in line with the clubhouse and thus obtain a harmonious whole. Inside, the structure has a wooden frame with a single line of intermediate posts.

 

Can you present the building?

The building consists of a 140 m2 zinc clubhouse with changing rooms, storage rooms, an office and a living area. Afterwards, the sportsmen and women have direct access to the sports area, which consists of two courts with a needle-punched membrane and a very fine ceramic sand filling. Both courts are lit by about 30 LED spotlights each. However, so far we haven’t had to use the lighting much, except from 5.30 or 6 pm, because the textile membrane allows a maximum of light to pass through, without it being a nuisance for the sportsmen, with no shadow areas. It’s very pleasant, while allowing us to save energy.

 

What is the first feedback from users?

The members are very satisfied because the playing conditions are optimal. Since they were inaugurated in September, the indoor courts have been very busy: about 40 hours a week for training, a dozen hours at weekends for competitions, not counting the slots reserved for leisure activities… With these new facilities, the club has already increased the number of members to 140 and our objective is to reach 250 in the near future.

 

Photo credits: SMC2 / Tennis-club Amicale Courvilloise

« [An] innovative, economical and sustainable project [that] makes our association, the city of Griesheim and the district of Darmstadt-Dieburg pioneers in sports infrastructure development! »

 

On 27 May 2020, SMC2 inaugurated Germany’s first covered textile membrane gymnasium for the TuS Griesheim association – in partnership with the town of the same name and the Darmstadt-Dieburg district (equivalent to our departments) – in the Frankfurt region. Interview with Dr. Claus Walther, President of TuS Griesheim 1899 e.V:

 

Dr. Walther, the new sports hall of TuS Griesheim was finally able to open on Wednesday, 27 May 2020. It was a long project in terms of planning, negotiations and implementation, are you satisfied with the result?

We are very satisfied with the visible results. This gym is a real flagship project for our association. In terms of execution details, we see room for improvement in the exterior window sills and interior cable routing. In the end, the gymnasium will have to prove its suitability all year round, in all seasonal weather conditions.

 

TuS Griesheim, as a non-profit sports association, became the owner of this project. How were you able to bring this project to life and what were the biggest obstacles?

A project of this magnitude can only be implemented in cooperation with competent specialists. In addition to the SMC2 contact persons, this mainly involved a team of architects from the PA+ planning office in Darmstadt, whose tasks included the following activities

• Development of an overall architectural concept including a connecting building between the gymnasium and the sanitary facilities, as well as the conversion and renovation of the latter
• Preparation of the permit documents
• Integration of the SMC2 design into the overall execution design
• General architectural management
• Preparation of cost estimates and calculations
• Design, tendering and awarding of contracts to various trades outside SMC2
• Supervision of all works on site
• Convening and managing site meetings
• Constant communication with the client
• Verification of invoices and transmission to our financial department
• Management of a work schedule and a work log

In addition, a structural engineer was involved in the project to calculate the statics of the retaining wall and foundations, as well as a planner from the PA+ engineering office for the modification of the layout and the BBS engineering office for the specialised design of the electrical, gas and sanitary systems.

 

Another important requirement for us was the trusting cooperation with all the committees and departments of the association, our bank, the authorities of the town of Griesheim and its mayor, the authorities of the district of Darmstadt-Dieburg, its chairman and first councillor, the competent authorities of the Hessian Ministry of the Interior and Sports, the Hessian Sports Federation, the competent persons of the Darmstadt district council, our association councillor and our caretaker, who is very good with his hands

 

The almost daily presence of the building owner on the construction site was also a great help. Inspecting all the work and talking to the craftsmen or managers of the companies involved gave us a better understanding of the work processes and enabled us to detect any problems at an early stage. Often, a telephone conversation with the architects, a question to the design specialist or an administration to obtain professional information through the “shortest route” was enough to avoid or solve a problem.

 

After the decision taken internally by the association in June 2015, based on a financing plan and the participation of the municipality and the district, we had to overcome the following obstacles:

• The modification of the development plan had led to additional costs and a few months of delay.
• The securing of the site with concrete paving stones over a length of 50 m was necessary from the point of view of statics and caused additional costs and several weeks of delay.
• The originally planned screw foundations, which cost less, were not approved. Instead, reinforced concrete foundations had to be built, which were considerably more expensive and time-consuming.
• Since Griesheim is located in seismic zone 1, it was necessary to build a perimeter sill.
• Fire protection requirements increased the costs of renovating the sanitary facilities and changing rooms in the adjacent building.
• A building enclosed on all sides serves as the entrance to the gymnasium and as a link to the adjacent sanitary facilities and changing rooms.

 

Can you give us a brief overview of the construction costs and financing of the project?

The total costs of the project, including the connecting building, the construction of the sanitary facilities and changing rooms and the creation of new parking spaces for cars and bicycles, amount to approximately 1.5 million euros. The district council, as the school authority, and the town of Griesheim each contributed one third of the costs. The operating and maintenance costs were also divided three ways by agreement.

The association also received €200,000 from the Hessian Association’s sports facilities fund, €50,000 from the district’s subsidy and €15,500 from the Hessian Sports Federation. The remaining part of approximately € 235,000 was financed by loans and the association’s own funds.

 

In contrast to conventional buildings, the new gymnasium consists of a glued laminated timber structure and a textile shell. What is special about this type of construction and what are the advantages and disadvantages?

This “light construction” is more economical than a massive construction and is characterised by significantly shorter construction times. The membrane, which allows light to pass through the upper half of the side walls and the roof, promotes natural light in the gymnasium without artificial lighting, even in bad weather and after dark. The wooden structure feels light and contributes to the pleasant and friendly atmosphere one feels in the gym.

The lack of insulation makes the building a “cold hall”. Thanks to the dark gas tubes mounted under the ceiling, the manufacturer guarantees a room temperature of 12 °C in winter, which corresponds to a perceived temperature of 14-16 °C due to radiant heating. A frost sensor also prevents the room temperature from falling below the frost limit. The sports floor is a sandwich floor with an elastic base structure, which is well suited to a cold hall.

In warmer periods of the year, a diagonal ventilation system mounted under the ceiling prevents excessive temperatures due to heat accumulation. In addition, cross ventilation can be generated by opening the sliding windows and the door opposite. An air dehumidification system ensures a pleasant indoor climate even during periods of intensive use of the gymnasium and prevents the formation of drips on the ceiling.

 

The gym was built by SMC2, a company based in Mornant, France. How did you find out about SMC2 and were you satisfied with the advice they gave you and the implementation?

A member of our management and one of our architects took part in an event organised by the Hessian Sports Federation on the subject of “lightweight gymnasiums” and were particularly convinced by the specific design and lightness of this type of construction!

Overall, we were very satisfied with the advice provided by SMC2. The language barrier was not a problem during the meetings with the French management. We spoke to each other either in one of our two languages or in English. Since one of the two German representatives of SMC2 was always present at important meetings, there were never any misunderstandings, even during complex technical discussions.

The implementation of the project, however, was difficult on several levels. The coordination between the various craftsmen we had commissioned separately to carry out the work processes of the gymnasium builder was not always easy, both in terms of the work itself and in terms of meeting deadlines. In the end, it was the skills of all the participating designers, site managers and companies that made it possible to find suitable solutions in each case, even in very complex cases. In our experience, the question arises as to whether it would not be more advantageous for all those involved to combine several trades and thus reduce the number of companies involved.

 

The gymnasium is primarily intended for use by schools and associations. What is the planned operating model and which sportsmen and women will find a new playground here?

The gymnasium is designed as a training ground for handball, volleyball, basketball and indoor football. The gym can also be used as a training room for other sports, such as athletics, triathlon or gymnastics. However, apart from mats and benches, no larger sports or gym equipment can be used. The gymnasium can be divided into three parts by means of dividing nets, allowing three groups to train in parallel.

Other local sports associations and schools will also have access to the gym. A planning meeting will redistribute the available slots of all the Griesheim sports halls in the TuS Griesheim area, including our new gym, to the various association departments each year.

 

One last question: the sports hall at TuS Griesheim is the first in Germany to be built with a textile shell. What is the significance of this flagship project for you, for the association and for the town of Griesheim?

This sports hall is currently a landmark for TuS Griesheim. This innovative, economical and sustainable project makes our association, the town of Griesheim and the district of Darmstadt-Dieburg pioneers in the development of sports facilities. This “flagship project” can serve as a model for the construction of attractive and affordable sports facilities for many other regions, communities and associations. This role is a victory for the project partners.

 

“THIS PLAYGROUND CONTRIBUTES TO THE REVITALISATION OF THE DISTRICT AND THE TOWN”.

 

SMC2 has completed its range of equipment: for the first time, it has built a playground for the city of Avignon. Inaugurated on 22 December last, it measures 91 m2 and has elements with a height of up to 8.70 m. Hélène Bailly-Maître and Pascal Autric, from the city’s urban landscape department, talk about this project.

 

How did the project come about?

Within the city, we already have about a hundred playgrounds in numerous parks and schools. As part of the transformation of a former sports park, we built new sports and leisure facilities: city stadium, pumptracks, fitness trail, athletics track, football and rugby pitches, etc. and it was decided to complete this site with a play area of the size of the project.

 

Why did you choose SMC2’s structure?

In the central square of the district, the site selected is located on a limited surface area. We wanted a play structure with a high height, but of course it had to be very safe for the users. In addition to these two criteria, it was important that this equipment also fit in with the other elements (street furniture, water games, etc.) so that it would fit in perfectly with the overall development of the neighbourhood.

We therefore chose the company SMC2, which designed the design, manufactured the various elements and was responsible for assembling them. The fact that it is a modular structure was very much appreciated: we were able to choose the general theme (clouds), adapt the games according to age groups and determine each element present in the different clouds.

 

Can you present the structure?

It is a 13 x 7 m playground, 8.70 m high, with stainless steel modules and nets. It is a multigenerational structure with different modules where it is possible to see through (facilitating the “inside-out” spirit) for all ages. Thus, it includes sensory games, play spheres and a swing for children aged 0 to 4; high games such as rope ladders and harnesses for 5 to 7 year olds; climbing games that are more complicated to access and the highest for 7 to 12 year olds.

The surface is a flexible EPDM shock-absorbing floor of variable height.

In addition, as the sports ground is open to the public, an information board has been installed at the entrance to the playground to give the traditional safety instructions.

 

After a few months of opening, what are your feelings about this facility?

The objective was that the construction of this space with various sports and play structures would revitalise the neighbourhood and the town in general. And the first few months, before the lock-up period, have shown that it was a real success because the attendance was very high. This is particularly true of the playground, which can be seen from afar and attracts all age groups.

 

Lire aussi : Article sur l’inauguration de la première aire de jeux SMC2

SMC2 is putting the finishing touches to the new state of the art four court tennis centre (70m long x 38m wide) at Nottingham Trent University(NTU).  NTU is one of the largest and most popular universities in the UK with three separate campuses. The university is also cited as being one of the most environmentally friendly universities in Europe – the recent multi-million pound upgrades at its Clifton Campus, where over 8000 students study, demonstrate NTU’s ongoing commitment to creating a sustainable, ecologically-sound Campus. This commitment makes Clifton an eco-friendly place to learn, and an attractive one too with plenty of green grass and open spaces.

 

Sport is a huge part of the NTU experience. There are over 60 clubs with some tremendous facilities including multi-sports halls, gyms, state of the art synthetic grass playing pitches for hockey and football as well as natural grass pitches.

 

Nottingham Trent University’s Director of Sport, James Hayter,  explained the reasoning behind the most recent sport investment, namely the new SMC2 tennis facility :

 

“The strategic opportunity to develop an indoor tennis centre at NTU was identified some years ago; a potential link with the LTA performance academies based at Nottingham Tennis Centre could facilitate the transformation of what was a low level tennis offer at the University into a programme that could support students playing at every level of the sport from beginner to elite.  In addition, NTU is well placed to support workforce development activities in partnership with the LTA, offering excellent opportunities for our students and graduates, whilst helping tennis to develop in the local area.

 

However, the capital funding was not agreed by NTU until 2015; at this point, the project moved quickly from background feasibility work, cost analysis and market testing to outline designs and tendering.  The tender process was thorough and provided an opportunity for newcomers to the higher education sport market to compete with those that have been established in the sector for some time.

 

SMC2’s tender submission scored very well indeed and we have continued to be impressed with the company through the planning and construction phases of the project”.

 

The university did not want a utilitarian ‘industrial’ building. SMC2 ‘s tender return stood out in that it was the only submission having an elegant and  eco-friendly glue-laminated timber frame structure rather than a steel frame. Furthermore the submission  addressed the need for functionality by proposing a turn-key package that included the provision of the  GreenSet® Grand Prix acrylic tournament tennis surface and a state of the art LED lighting installation with automated dimming and movement sensor control. After SMC2 were awarded the contract we worked closely with the client’s team  to refine the design so as to include additional features such as acclimatised office space and a seating and viewing area. The building work commenced in July 2016 during the summer vacation period  and the hall was handed over to the Client four and a half months later ready for the first inter-collegiate tournament that was played on 14^th December.