Tauhara College Sports Canopy

BUILD

Tauhara College required a large covered outdoor facility that could support year-round physical education, sport, and school activities. With only one smaller gymnasium available, the school needed a flexible all-weather space that could accommodate increasing demand during winter months, wet weather, and periods of high sun exposure. The goal was to create a practical and welcoming environment that would expand opportunities for students while integrating seamlessly into the wider school grounds.

The project involved the design, supply, and installation of a 41m x 60m tensile canopy over a newly constructed sports turf in Taupō. Fabric Structures was engaged as the main contractor and was responsible for delivering the full scope of works, including foundations, the primary support structure, and all elements associated with the fabric canopy. In addition to the canopy itself, the project included partially enclosed branded fabric wall sections on the south and west elevations, internal sports netting, bird proofing, LED lighting, fire exit signage, prewiring for security systems, and the installation of metal security gates and access points. The south and west fabric wall sections transformed the structure into a hybrid between an open canopy and an enclosed facility, creating a more sheltered and functional environment while maintaining the openness and lightness associated with tensile architecture.

A defining feature of the project was the integration of large-scale printed graphics within the fabric wall sections. These elements helped create a strong visual identity for the space, displaying not only the school’s logo but also Tauhara College’s motto, "tino ū tou hiranga – committed to excellence." Incorporating the school’s branding into the architecture created a space that feels uniquely connected to the campus and reinforces a sense of identity and pride for students, staff, and the wider community.

A key aspect of the project was coordinating construction around the newly completed TigerTurf surface and within an active redevelopment environment. Careful planning and sequencing were required to protect the finished playing surface while maintaining progress across the wider site works. The project also involved managing the consenting process through Taupō District Council, including the outline plan of works and building consent approvals.

The completed canopy has provided Tauhara College with a high-quality multi-purpose facility that supports a wide range of sporting and school activities throughout the year. More than simply a sports shelter, it has become a vibrant and welcoming space that reflects the school’s identity while creating opportunities for both the school and wider community to come together, connect, and make use of the facility for years to come.