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Modern community spaces are no longer just buildings; they are dynamic environments that foster connection, well-being and a sense of belonging.
As we continue to build the cities of the future, facades are evolving rom simple protective shells into high-performing systems that drive sustainability, innovation and aesthetic excellence. A new benchmark in urban placemaking has been set with the unveiling of Rhodes Recreation Centre, a $85 million community hub that spans 9,200 square metres offering world-class facilities for the Rhodes community.
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The Rhodes Recreation Centre presented a unique challenge: to balance high-density urban living with the development of a vibrant, welcoming community hub. As one Sydney’s fastest growing communities with the 2025 population forecast for Rhodes at 12,556, and projected to grow to 20,187 by 2046, the need for thoughtful infrastructure to serve this expanding community has never been more critical.
The Rhodes Recreation Centre, developed by Billbergia Group for Canada Bay Council, was envisioned as the final piece of the puzzle – a space that would anchor the community as it grows by more than 60% over the next two decades. Through our in-house facade division, FACA by OMG.CO proudly delivered an envelope that is not only visually striking, but also meets the highest standards of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, in compliance with Section J of the National Construction Code (NCC).
Initially, a traditional brick-slip system was considered for the facade. However, a detailed analysis revealed potential issues with moisture retention and inadequate drainage. To overcome these challenges and align with the project's sustainability goals, we proposed and implemented a 3mm rainscreen aluminum cladding system.
Our soffit structure includes a custom-aluminium track system, that allowed us to mount our 3mm curved aluminium panels into the system with no secondary movement. Our custom battens are 100% Australian-made from non-combustible aluminium, fabricated RHS (rectangular hollow sections) configured vertically, acting as both a rainscreen and sunshade system that protects the structural component of development.
The system creates a ventilated substructure that allows for natural airflow and effective moisture management. This not only protects the buildings structural integrity but contributes to improved thermal insulation and overall durability of envelope – strengthening our commitment to more resilient and sustainable facade technologies.
For centuries, terracotta has symbolised warmth, resilience and timeless beauty, shaping spaces that connect people to places and tradition. Its earthy tones and tactile texture evoke a sense of permeance and civic presence, meeting the architectural language set out by architects SJB. While natural terracotta offers a timeless appeal, it is heavy, less thermally efficient and requires ongoing maintenance. For these reasons, we opted for a high-performance aluminium solution that captures the terracotta aesthetic by powder-coating our panels and battens in Dulux Duratec Weathered Steel.
The durable polyester thermosetting powder reflects the natural tones of terracotta, while offering high-performance resilience against Australia’s harsh climate. With a specular reflectance of 0.5, sunlight is gently diffused to reduce glare, while a total solar absorptance of 0.89 and a solar reflectance index (SRI) of 8.22, combined with a ventilated rainscreen system helps regulate temperatures and maximize natural light. These performance metrics ensure the facade is both aesthetically compelling and technically advanced, delivering sustainable, climate responsive spaces that priorities comfort and well-being for the Rhodes Community.
To ensure the highest quality and streamline the construction process, we embraced prefabrication methods. The vertical battens comprise a two-part aluminum extrusion system, manufactured as modular units using a 6mm thick aluminum strap plate fixed to the rear of every 3rd batten using Nvelope NV3 – an advanced facade fixing solution that is engineered to support panels securely and discreetly.
The modular units were mounted onto a Nvelope rail system, which is mechanically anchored to the buildings structural subframe – providing a vertical support framework. This system is designed for a “secret fix” installation method, where battens are suspended from horizontal profiles, resulting in clean and concealed fastenings.
This off-site fabrication process allowed for meticulous quality control, ensuring that each panel met our exacting standards before arriving on-site. The result was a significant reduction in on-site fabrication time, minimized weather delays and a flawless “secret fix” installation that delivers a clean and modern aesthetic.
In a climate like Australia, managing solar heat gain is crucial for energy efficiency and occupant comfort. To address this, we specified a high-performance, double-glazed unit (DGU) system. This advanced low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings that reflect infrared radiation, significantly reducing solar heat gain during summer months while maximising natural light.
With a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of just 0.23, the system plays a vital role in minimising the building’s cooling load, reducing energy consumption and creating a comfortable indoor environment year-round. With a visible light transmittance (VLT) of 43%, it allows daylight to flood the interior spaces. This not only reduces the reliance on artificial lighting, but supports the body’s circadian rhythm – essential for healthy sleep, balanced energy levels and overall well-being.
Following the official opening of Rhodes Recreation Centre on the 20th of October 2025, we’re proud to have been part of the transformative project using advanced technologies, precise fabrication and expert installation methodologies. Rhodes Recreation Centre stands as a testament to how modern engineering and thoughtful materials can shape spaces that enhance community well-being and outcomes.
Rhodes Recreation Centre is more than a building; it’s a community hub designed to support wellbeing, foster connections and create a space where the community can gather, thrive and feel a lasting sense of belonging.
