Australia’s first fully automated two-storey golf driving range is complete and proving popular. This project is an exciting one for our clients the Town of Cambridge and for us. An unusual building type, the Driving Range design is the result of detailed research overseas as well as in Australia. It features Australia’s first fully automated system for golf ball delivery via underfloor ducts to automated, adjustable tees. Ball washing, drying and distribution are also fully automated.
The Driving Range is part of Wembley’s Centre of Excellence for Golf. The building will also contain a state-of-the-art teaching facility which will open out to the Driving Range as well as overlooking (to the west) the carefully designed practice greens and chipping practice areas. Immediately above, on the first floor, is a Function Centre and Al Fresco with similar views, whose additional height enables spectacular views of the Golf Course and beyond. Additional ground floor space is be available to associated golf professionals.
As part of the project, the grassed range itself (landing zone) has been upgraded with the addition of new target areas. Whilst the natural grass precludes the installation of automatic ball retrieval (the tractors will continue) it has the advantage of real bounce and landing conditions for patrons.
The project further includes a major refurbishment/rebuilding of the Pro-Shop and Central Piazza area (nearing completion), a large secure store (and re-charge facility) for overnight golf-cart storage and back-of-house maintenance and storage areas. In support of all this, the Golf Complex entry from The Boulevard, the access road and car parks will all be significantly upgraded.
In all aspects of the design, sustainability has been a priority. As a result, rainwater will be harvested for use in buildings and landscaping, all hot water will be sourced from solar hot-water heaters, solar power will be used for access road lighting and all water used for golf ball washing, cart washing etc will be re-cycled in an on-site treatment facility. The Driving Range has been designed with 100% natural ventilation from the prevailing breezes.