A new world-class training centre has set the scene for a successful season ahead for the Brisbane Broncos National Rugby League team. The recently completed facility in Red Hill, which features Alspec glazing solutions, will provide important support to the Club as it kicks off its 30th year in the NRL competition.

The training, administration and community facility has been built with a selection of multi-purpose spaces to cater for a diverse range of uses required by the Club and its community. On the ground level, facilities for the athletes include a gymnasium, physiotherapy room, cross fit training area, weight lifting centre, lap pool, ice and spa baths and a sauna. On the upper levels, offices, meeting rooms and function spaces will be used by administrative and coaching staff while a learning centre has been built with local school and community groups in mind.

The variety of uses meant the facility needed door and glazing solutions which were both durable and flexible, and able to accommodate the mixture of indoor, educational and fitness-related activities. As a result, the building’s glazed sections were assembled with products from Alspec’s three major ranges - ecoFRAMEplus, Hunter Evo and McArthur. The variety of door openings utilised products from the ProGlide, Hawkesbury and Swan Evo series.

For large expanses of external-facing glass in a sporting facility of this kind, centre-pocket framing systems are ideal because of their ease of installation, sturdy construction and added security benefits. Where double glazing was specified, the ecoFRAMEplus 101.6mm and 150mm Double Glazed Centre Pocket products were used. The ecoFRAMEplus range has the additional benefit of providing increased energy efficiency performance. For single glazed applications, the McArthur Evo 101.6 and 150mm Centre Pocket Framing products were used. They have similar properties to the ecoFRAMEplus, with the addition of self-draining sub sills which add to performance in extreme weather. For interior applications, the Hunter Evo 101.6 and 150mm Single Glazed Flush framing products contribute sound-reducing properties and can span large spaces.  

In selecting doors for the facility, products from the ProGlide and Hawkesbury ranges were determined as best suited to provide access to the outdoor deck and balcony areas. For example, on the ground floor a dining area is adjacent to a large exterior balcony. In this case, 2.9m high ProGlide High Performance Sliding Doors were used in conjunction with the AD775 ProGlide Plant on Track to span one opening of 4.9m and a second opening of 3.2m. Meanwhile, the viewing deck on Level “1.5” (halfway between levels 1 and 2), can be completely integrated with the interior via Hawkesbury Commercial Multi Fold Doors. Installed in a nine panel configuration, the 2.7m high doors operate effortlessly over the 7.6m opening due to their top-rolling system and concealed floor guides.

For hinged and pivoted doors, Swan Evo 45mm Double Glazed Commercial doors were selected for their versatility and ease of integration with the McArthur and Hunter Evo framing systems. Proven in the commercial environment, the Swan Evo doors include technical features which will ensure dependable performance under the expected heavy use demands of the centre.   

Like the teams which rely on them, sport facilities need to be well-equipped to perform under whatever conditions lie ahead. With their durability and high performance specifications, Alspec’s product range will ensure this outstanding facility plays its part in supporting the Bronco’s on field endeavours for many seasons to come.

Architect: Populous
Builder: Hutchinson Builders
Fabricator: Queensland Glass

Alspec Products Used:
ecoFRAMEplus 101.6mm Centre Pocket Double Glazed Framing
ecoFRAMEplus 150mm Centre Pocket Double Glazed Framing
Hunter Evo 101.6mm Single Flush Glazed Framing
Hunter Evo 150mm Single Flush Glazed Framing
McArthur Evo 101.6mm Centre Pocket Framing
ProGlide® High Performance Sliding Door
Hawkesbury® Commercial Multi-Fold Door