When you think about football stadiums, you probably imagine massive structures full of steel and concrete. However, some projects show you can be more creative with materials and get stunning results. A new design by Zaha Hadid Architects is a great example. We want to have a closer look at the project today because it could set a new standard for stadia. Then, if you want help with a project from top architects in London, you can speak to us.

An environmentally considerate venue

The design is for a brand new stadium for Forest Green Rovers. It will be part of a massive £100m Eco Park development in Gloucestershire. This 100 acre project will include the stadium, training facilities, a sports science hub, and a business park with commercial space. All of them will utilise green technology, ensuring the development achieves sustainability goals.

Eco Park Stadium will be the very first all-timber stadium in the world. Instead of steel and concrete, structural elements will be sustainable timbers. So, things like the frame, roof cantilevers, and terraces, will be wood. Additional non-structural elements such as the cladding will be timber too.

The goal here is to ensure the stadium is sustainable and either carbon-neutral or carbon-negative. The use of timber will minimise the carbon footprint, reducing the need for materials that are unsustainable and carbon heavy. Crucially, the timbers will be recyclable in the future too.

Key features

There are several noteworthy aspects of the design that are inspiring. Whether it is architects in London or professionals elsewhere in the world, they should make people consider what they can achieve when focusing on balancing the ecological side with the aesthetics.

An impressive detail is the roof. The design includes a transparent membrane. It will allow grass to grow, eventually giving the stadium a green roof. As a result, it will blend more effectively into the meadows surrounding it.

There has also been a big focus on ensuring fans have a great experience. The design ensures unobstructed views and ensures an engaging atmosphere. The roof will help to minimise shadows too, making it much better to watch matches.

Future development has also been a key consideration. Initially, the stadium will have a 5,000 capacity. But, the design will allow expansion to double this without extensive additional alterations. It means the stadium can growth with the club and not have to worry about huge extra costs or a massive impact on the environment.

Discuss ideas with top architects in London

The all-timber stadium is a really great example of what can be achieved with good designs and carefully exploring modern construction methods. Many would think it wouldn’t be possible to build such a massive structure with timber. However, combining skills, passion, and innovation, can produce amazing results.

If you have a project in mind and want to focus on sustainability and the environment, we’d love to help. Coffey Architects can use different materials effectively, including sustainable timber from certified suppliers. We’ll find the perfect design for homes, commercial buildings, and more.

So, contact us and choose to work with award winning architects in London. You can learn more on our website and see some of our work too.