Etangit Karamwen Naoero Community Sports Complex
The role of sport in Nauru is widely recognised as critical to building a healthy and sustainable population for the future which is currently facing significant social and health challenges. Australia and Nauru have joined in a comprehensive program to encourage sport at both the local and national levels in Nauru.
A&L were engaged by DFAT to consult with a full range of stakeholders, to determine the functional requirements for the NCSC, develop concept design options for Government of Nauru (GON) consideration, prepare construction documentation and manage the construction tender process. The completed building is Nauru’s first national indoor sports facility and is named ‘Etangit Karamwen’ meaning ‘a place of play’. It provides a focus for training, national and international events as well as an all-weather venue to be used by all of the sporting community. A multi-purpose court is provided encompassing spatial requirements at premier competition level for both basketball and volleyball. The facility also caters for international level powerlifting, weight lifting, judo, wrestling and boxing as well as providing space for Zumba, yoga, aerobics and the like. A stage and spectator seating are provided along with an ablution and changeroom block.
The building was designed to maximise sustainability, robustness and economy, whilst providing an attractive venue with a strong sense of place. The building is situated on the coast with the base of the building largely open providing a clear visual connection with the sea and allowing cooling sea breezes to be harnessed. Organic corten screens provide security to the front facade whilst maintaining the cross ventilation and visual link. Natural daylighting is maximised through the use of high-level polycarbonate cladding, which also creates a glowing lightbox effect at night.