The Connection, Rhodes

The amphitheatre at The Connection was exposed to harsh sun and rain, limiting year-round use of the waterfront precinct. Greenline delivered a striking custom tensile structure that now provides permanent weather protection while becoming a defining feature of the Rhodes foreshore.

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CLIENT

City of Canada Bay Council

ARCHITECT

Crone Architects

LOCATION

Rhodes, NSW

STRUCTURE

Custom PVC Membrane Structure

AREA COVERED

Community Amphitheatre

SIZE

1,600 sqm

FINISHES

Dulux Duratec Zeus Black (Matt)

MATERIALS

Ferrari 782 S2 PVC Fabric, Sand

Brief

The City of Canada Bay Council completed The Connection, an award-winning waterfront community precinct in Rhodes. Designed by Crone Architects, the precinct quickly became a popular gathering space for the local community, centred around an outdoor amphitheatre overlooking the foreshore.

As use of the precinct increased, the Council identified the need for permanent weather protection over the amphitheatre to improve comfort and usability throughout the year. The new structure needed to integrate seamlessly with the existing architectural language of the precinct while preserving the open views and civic character of the space.

The project presented several significant challenges. The site was located on the former grounds of a chemical factory, with contaminated soils extending to depths of approximately 13 metres. Construction also needed to be carefully managed within a busy public area, minimising disruption to the community and maintaining safe access throughout the build.

Solution

Greenline worked closely with Crone Architects and the City of Canada Bay to develop a completely custom tensile membrane solution that responded directly to the geometry of the amphitheatre and surrounding precinct. The triangulated roof form and elevated fan-like structure created a distinctive architectural gesture while remaining visually consistent with The Connection’s existing built form.

Given the complexity of the contaminated ground conditions and the active public setting, Greenline adopted a prefabricated construction methodology to minimise on-site time and disruption. The structure was manufactured offsite and rapidly assembled onsite over an approximately eight-week construction program.

Outcome

The completed structure has transformed the amphitheatre into a flexible, all-weather community destination that supports performances, gatherings and everyday use throughout the year. The waterproof canopy provides welcome shade and rain protection while maintaining the openness and visual connection to the surrounding waterfront precinct.

The project has been embraced by both Council and the Rhodes community as a valuable enhancement to the foreshore environment.

The result is a highly durable and future-focused civic structure that balances architectural quality, technical performance and long-term public amenity.

Need permanent shade for a public space?

Key considerations for designing shade structures in active public and waterfront environments.

How do you add shade to a public space without blocking natural light?

Light-coloured tensile membranes provide UV and rain protection while still allowing natural daylight to filter into the space, helping public areas remain open and welcoming.

How do you minimise disruption in busy public areas during construction?

Prefabricated steel and membrane components can be manufactured offsite and rapidly assembled onsite, reducing construction time and maintaining safer public access.