Acting as the centerpiece of the $120 million-plus Eco Park development in Stroud, UK, a soccer stadium constructed almost entirely of wood is looking to become the greenest in the world. The architect, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), won a design competition for the opportunity to design the new home of the Forest Green Rovers.
Being constructed almost completely from wood is not just a first for a soccer stadium, but for any sports stadium anywhere in the world. All of the timber for the project will be ethically and sustainably sourced. One of the few non-wood elements of the structure is a transparent membrane that will cover the roof and provide shade while still allowing for the turf on the playing surface to grow.
The stadium, which can be used year-round for additional activities other than soccer, will have a capacity of 5,000 people and aims to be carbon neutral or even carbon negative. To help achieve this goal, there will be on-site renewable energy generation
According to ecotricity, the project’s developer, the stadium will have the lowest embodied carbon of any stadium in the world and will hopefully spur other eco-friendly development of a similar nature in the Eco Park development, which spans 100 acres and will be used mainly as a center for sports and sports science. Opposite of the sports and sports science segment of the park will be a green technology business park with sustainably built commercial offices and industrial units. It is estimated Eco Park’s business section has the potential to create up to 4,000 jobs. A nature reserve is also included in the overall Eco Park proposal.
ZHA’s design for the new stadium was selected from over 50 entries submitted by firms from around the world.
Courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects
Courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects
Related Stories
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 21, 2017
3D printed models bring new economic district in Detroit to life
The centerpiece is the scaled replica of a new arena that puts a miniature fan in every seat.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 21, 2017
Boston Celtics training and practice facility will be part of Boston Landing mixed-use development
The facility will also include two floors of Class A laboratory and office space and retail space.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 19, 2017
Mercedes-Benz Stadium delayed until late August
The stadium is now scheduled to open on Aug. 26 in a preseason game between the Falcons and the Jaguars.
Concrete | Apr 7, 2017
‘Cool’ pavement creates ice rink aesthetic outside NHL practice facility
The concrete contains unique colors, aggregates, and textures.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 5, 2017
Informed design: A dynamic approach to athletic facilities design
With the completion of the athletic facility upgrade—dubbed the Arden Project—students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 9, 2017
The construction of the Atlanta Braves’ new stadium, in 1 minute
OxBlue’s time-lapse video draws from more than 200,000 images.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 27, 2017
Miami’s AmericanAirlines Arena debuts a multipurpose event space
601 offers variety and flexibility not found in the arena’s other food and entertainment locations.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 22, 2017
3XN Architects wins competition to design Swedish aquatic center
The Danish firm beat entries from Zaha Hadid Architects and Henning Larsen Architects for the project.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 8, 2017
Dan Gilbert’s Rock Ventures proposes a land-for-jailhouse construction exchange
He would take over a downtown Detroit site, where he wants to build a soccer stadium, and build a new jail and courthouse about 1.5 miles away.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jan 26, 2017
How human performance facilities are changing the game
Human performance facilities are emerging as a new way for people to attend to their overall wellness.
