An integrated design approach to manage sloping terrain and achieve universal access.

SHAPE partnered with the City of Greater Geelong to deliver a bespoke modular sports pavilion at Estuary Reserve in Leopold, one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the Geelong region. The project was part of the Council’s broader investment in high-quality community infrastructure that supports increasing participation in local sport and recreation.

Designed in alignment with Football Victoria’s Building Development Guide, the pavilion meets the current and future needs of the reserve’s football, soccer, and cricket clubs. The fully functional 495m² facility includes four gender-neutral change rooms with integrated amenities, a first aid room, an umpire’s room, storage space, and accessible public amenities. A large kitchen and social area were also included to create a welcoming community hub.

Working closely with the project team and end users, our team took a fully integrated design approach to overcome the site’s sloping terrain. The building was constructed into the slope with a retaining wall and designed to enable accessible entry from both sides, ensuring universal access and smooth integration with the surrounding playing fields.

The modular construction approach allowed for tight program delivery while minimising disruption to the active sporting precinct. In addition to off-site construction, Modular by SHAPE also delivered all on-site works, including the service connections and a fire services upgrade, to ensure full compliance and occupancy certification.

Completed in June 2022, the Estuary Reserve Pavilion is now a vibrant and inclusive facility that supports the continued growth of grassroots sport in the Leopold community.