Everleigh AFL Clubhouse Design Concept
Interview with Edwin Dacre from Urbis and Daniel Volpato from Ellivo
Designing the Everleigh AFL Clubhouse: A Collaborative Vision
When envisioning the design of the Everleigh AFL Clubhouse, it took the collaborative efforts of renowned architect Daniel Volpato and leading landscape architect Edwin Dacre to create a unique clubhouse that would become more than just a functional sports facility.
Multi-award-winning design leaders, Daniel, director of Brisbane design house Ellivo, and Edwin, associate director at the acclaimed Urbis group, saw the new AFL centre as a unique opportunity to design a vibrant social hub to connect people and shape a better future for the Everleigh community.
“We wanted to ensure the Everleigh AFL Clubhouse wasn’t just another typical council building. We aimed for an open, inviting space - one that seamlessly integrates with the parklands and the oval”, Daniel says.
“A key element of our design is the strong central spine with a carefully placed aperture. This creates a natural visual connection, drawing visitors through the building and into the surrounding landscape.
“Rather than feeling enclosed, the clubhouse functions more like a breezeway - you enter on one side and are naturally guided through to the other, reinforcing the openness of the space.
“The design embraces the Queensland vernacular, embodying a light, elegant structure that feels right at home in its environment. Given the clubhouse’s many uses and the dynamic nature of the space, we focused on creating a long, beautiful, and functional form - one that balances aesthetics with practicality.
“Because it is a public building, durability was a major consideration. With hundreds of people using the space regularly, every element had to be robust enough to withstand heavy use while maintaining its integrity over time. That’s why we incorporated materials like low concrete benches, ensuring longevity and resilience without compromising on design.
“From the floor finishes to the roof, every detail was carefully considered. It was a fully collaborative process, working closely with seasoned landscape designer, Edwin Dacre of Urbis, to ensure cohesion between the built and natural environments.”
Bringing the Outdoors In – The Skylight Design Concept
One of the standout features of the clubhouse is its skylight, thoughtfully designed to soften the often-stark appearance of buildings and introduce natural elements. The skylight allows for natural light and greenery to flow into the heart of the structure, creating a more inviting and calming environment.
“Our design is a nod to the importance of creating a holistic experience that engages multiple senses – sight and touch,” Edwin says.
“The inclusion of the skylight is part of a broader design approach that fosters well-being, making the clubhouse not just a venue for sport but a space where community and connection can thrive in elements inspired by nature.
“The ultimate goal was to craft a space that would become a focal point for the community, seamlessly integrating the natural environment with modern architectural principles and offering residents a place to connect and enjoy the beauty of their environment.”
The Sideline Advantage - Vantage Point Meets Architectural Ingenuity
When considering the clubhouse’s landscape design, the primary inspiration was to capture the best vantage point for spectators to watch an AFL game.
According to Edwin, “the western side of the field typically considered aspects of natural shade for spectators, slightly elevated above the field and was considered in ensuring the best vantage point wasn’t directly geared towards the scoreboard.”
This idea was pivotal in shaping the overall layout, leading to the unique architectural response of creating two independent structures connected by an open breezeway.
“The building’s design also had to follow the natural curvature of the field, which added a dynamic visual element to the structure,” says Daniel.
The breezeway, enhanced by greenery and a striking skylight, became a central feature, marrying functionality with aesthetics.”
A Community Hub – More Than a Clubhouse
Beyond the technical aspects of design, the clubhouse was conceived as a vibrant community hub. Early discussions between Urbis, Ellivo and the clubhouse design team focused on how the building could serve the broader Everleigh community, not just on game days but as a daily gathering place.
This vision led to the inclusion of the Eve Café within the clubhouse - a modern twist on the traditional football club canteen. Positioned right next to Everleigh State School, the café is quickly becoming a popular spot, reinforcing the clubhouse’s role as a central meeting point in Everleigh.
Sustainability at the Forefront
Sustainability was another key consideration in the clubhouse’s design.
Edwin highlights how materials from the site, such as rocks, were repurposed to create seating walls around the oval. “The landscaping choices further reflect this ethos, with the selection of hardy, low-maintenance plants that can thrive without excessive watering - to minimise overall maintenance of the club and allow them to focus on football.”
The design also incorporates solar panels to reduce the clubhouse’s environmental footprint and promote energy efficiency, supporting long-term sustainability. Alongside this, the clubhouse includes features that ensure its ongoing functionality and aesthetic appeal for years to come.