Avantidrome

A velodrome of international class and standing has to be an impressive structure. After all, it is the training base and home for both cyclists and triathletes seeking Olympic and World Championship glory. It is a demanding environment and one that requires the most durable of construction materials. It’s high tech and it’s world class. Just like COLORSTEEL® BOUNCE®.     The $28.5 million Waikato Avantidrome project began rolling in 2010. It was completed in 2015 so it could be used as a preparation base for the Rio Olympics 2016. As a world-class training and competition facility, the track is particularly important. It was designed by German architect Ralph Schuermann. He is one of three specialist track creators in the world and is credited with laying down the fastest surfaces on the planet. A specially-milled Siberian pine was used to give the surface the desired speed and resilience.   With so much invested in this aspect of the project, what actually protected the surface was critical.   In this elite company BOUNCE® was right at home. Like a number of the athletes who train there, Colorsteel BOUNCE® has truly outstanding performance figures. Its 77% optimised solar reflectance rating – 10% more than any other comparable product – achieves lower air conditioning capital costs and energy use. This allows for a stable, and pleasant, ambient temperature for competitors and spectators alike.   From an engineering viewpoint, the Avantidrome is a marvel. A series of 10ᴼ-angled perimeter frames support six-metre high, curved steel space frames. These are all suspended 20m above the 120m-by-77m track area. As there are no internal supporting columns, everyone riding or watching has a clear view.   The doughnut-shaped roof curves in all four directions. This required a 3ᴼ change for each truss in order to achieve the necessary width and bi-directional flow. Again, Colorsteel BOUNCE® had no problem delivering. Top hero Image taken by Ray Liebenberg Material: Colorsteel BOUNCE® in Coolhaven™ Profile: ST963 Supplier: Steel & Tube Architect: Chibnall Buckell Roofer: Lee Roofing Hamilton Builder: Livingstone Builders Hamilton