Create Your First Project
Start adding your projects to your portfolio. Click on "Manage Projects" to get started
Sports hall Middelheim
Programma
Sporthal
Date
2020
Location
Middelheim, Antwerp
Status
Academisch Project
In collaboration with my former fellow student, Lonneke Verhelst, we developed a design centered around the use of wooden trusses. In constructing the largest sports hall on the ground floor, we used wooden trusses to span large distances. These are supported by sturdy concrete columns.
We extended this concept to the main building of the complex, where we strategically positioned several trusses that span two stories on the first floor. This approach allowed us to minimize structural interventions on the ground floor for a spacious entrance on the ground level and a secondary sports hall on the upper level. By maintaining a regular C.C., we created space for smaller sports facilities, such as squash courts and smaller workout spaces for yoga and dance.
This spatial arrangement facilitated an intriguing interplay between the different parts of the sports complex, with the central resto-bar offering panoramic views of the surroundings throughout the building. Regarding the outer facade facing the environment, we devised a design consisting of horizontal strips of wooden planks accentuated by a concrete base. These strips are occasionally interrupted by large openings, providing visual access to the vibrant life within the building. This architectural composition gives a tangible sense of proportion and scale to the overall considerable volume of the project.
In conclusion, the design of the sports complex, with wooden trusses and thoughtfully broken facades, offers a harmonious mix of structural innovation and visual appeal. With an emphasis on optimizing space for various sports programs and fostering a seamless connection with the environment, the project promises to become an inviting and functional hub for sporting activities and social interactions.