India’s next chapter of nation-building is unfolding – through roads, metros, and airports. But beyond these, it is also unfolding through arenas that nurture talent and community spirit. The National Centre of Excellence in Amingaon, North Guwahati, stands as one such milestone.
Conceived as India’s largest badminton facility, the complex represents the coming together of government vision, architectural imagination, and engineering precision. It is designed to address the growing need for performance-driven sports infrastructure capable of supporting high-intensity usage and professional-level conditions.
Why Guwahati: A city poised for transformation
Guwahati’s climate and terrain created a clear requirement for a stadium roof system engineered for high rainfall and humidity resistance, and efficient installation. Also, with growing connectivity, economic activity, and sporting talent, the city was the natural choice for a high-performance badminton complex under the joint vision of the Government of Assam and the Badminton Association of India.
The project aimed to create a future-ready indoor arena that could host national and international events while fostering local athletic development. Its location in Amingaon, a hilly terrain on the city’s northern edge, added both logistical complexity and architectural opportunity.
The architectural vision: A home for champions
Designed by Design Associates Inc., the stadium embodies simplicity, rhythm, and strength. Its broad, sweeping roof is engineered for long-span stability, acoustic control, and thermal consistency essential for indoor sports performance. Beneath it, the spacious interiors create uninterrupted play areas with controlled acoustics and thermal comfort, essential for professional competition.
The facility spans 22,000 square meters, with its striking Cottage Green COLORBOND® XRW steel roof visible across the Amingaon skyline. Every design decision, from its double-skin roof assembly to the choice of materials, was aimed at meeting modern arena requirements such as long-span rigidity, stable indoor climate performance, and material longevity.
The people behind the structure: Collaboration that built a landmark
Delivering a facility of this scale required coordinated engineering to ensure the roofing system met the structural, functional, and installation demands of a next-level stadium infrastructure. From the early concept stage to final installation, teams from Oriental Engineers, Design Associates Inc., and Tata BlueScope Steel collaborated across disciplines to bring the vision to life.
As one project head from Oriental Engineers shared,
“The National Centre of Excellence was a landmark for us – not just in scale, but in expectations. Precision planning and technical alignment were essential to achieve consistent results across the large double-skin roofing system. The teamwork between our on-ground team and Tata BlueScope Steel made the process seamless.”
Turning design into experience
The success of the stadium is best understood through how people interact with it. The structure was envisioned beyond just a sports venue; as an environment that performs consistently, supporting optimal acoustics, visual clarity, and controlled indoor conditions. The column-free space works in tandem with the engineered roof assembly to deliver clear sightlines, noise control, and ventilation efficiency.
For athletes, the roof’s double-skin design provides a stable indoor climate – shielding them from Guwahati’s variable humidity and ensuring sound clarity during play. For spectators, the arena offers visual openness and comfort, connecting the excitement of the game with the elegance of the architecture.
Engineering excellence in action: Tata BlueScope Steel team’s contribution
Behind the architecture is a roofing system engineered to withstand high rainfall, wind uplift, and continuous operational load – all critical for advanced indoor arenas. Tata BlueScope Steel recommended and supplied the LYSAGHT KLIP-LOK® 700 double-skin system, installed over LYSAGHT TRIMDEK® 1015 sheets. The system combines structural integrity with superior weather performance – essential for a large-span indoor sports facility.
Key technical highlights:
- Double-skin configuration for insulation, acoustics, and leak-proof performance.
- On-site roll-forming to eliminate transportation constraints and ensure panel integrity.
- Concealed fixed system with no exposed fasteners, offering long-term durability.
- Superior wind uplift and spanning capability, validated through extensive testing.
- COLORBOND® XRW steel in Cottage Green for corrosion resistance and enduring aesthetics.
Immediate outcomes: Performance that lasts
The result is a structure that meets both engineering benchmarks and aesthetic expectations. The stadium’s roofing system ensures long-term protection against Assam’s high rainfall and humidity, while the engineered double-skin assembly ensures consistent interior temperature and moisture control for athlete performance.
With its concealed fasteners and corrosion-resistant COLORBOND® steel finish, maintenance requirements are minimal, reducing life-cycle costs for the facility operators. Beyond durability, the system provides long-term operational reliability with minimal intervention – a key consideration for any public sports infrastructure.
Regional impact: A catalyst for growth and pride
The National Centre of Excellence has already become a source of pride for Assam. It provides world-class training facilities for athletes across Northeast and strengthens the state’s position as a host for national tournaments. The project also created local employment during construction, supported regional vendors through on-site roll-forming, and demonstrated how large infrastructure can adapt to the logistical realities of the region.
Beyond steel and structure: Building what matters
The story of the National Centre of Excellence is one of partnership and purpose. It reflects how government agencies, architects, and engineers can come together to build infrastructure that serves both function and emotion – spaces that inspire people and uplift communities.
For Tata BlueScope Steel, it is yet another example of the company’s commitment to nation building – offering engineered roof and wall cladding solutions that enable modern India’s infrastructure journey. From industrial complexes and transport terminals to sports arenas and public institutions, each project strengthens our belief that progress is built through more than just steel and design, but also through the shared spirit of those who create it.
Projects like this illustrate how engineered roof and wall systems enable India’s evolving need for sustainable, high-performance, and architecturally sound infrastructure.