Architects: THOMA. LAY. BUCHLER. Architekten
Location: Gerlingen, Germany
Area: 3237 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Simon Sommer
Lead Architect: Thomas Buchler, Cornelia Eisenbraun, Barbara Kieferle
Aesthetic Simplicity in Sports Infrastructure
Introduction:
Nestled in the heart of Gerlingen, Germany, the newly constructed sports hall, aptly named “In den Breitwiesen,” stands as an exemplary fusion of architectural finesse and natural integration. Crafted by THOMA. LAY. BUCHLER. Architekten, the facility boasts a cubic structure adorned with a perforated, fine trapezoidal sheet façade and enveloped by expansive windows, exuding an aura of simplicity and restrained elegance. This sports haven forms a seamless connection with the existing outdoor sports facility and the innovative “Sportlerboulevard” (Athletes’ Boulevard), creating a cohesive link to the adjacent “Breitwiesen Stadion.”
A Welcoming Forecourt: Where Interior Meets Exterior
Strategic Design:
The main entrance leads to the “Sportlerforum” (Athletes’ Forum), a thoughtfully designed forecourt serving as a communal meeting space. Surrounded by an old and new tree population, the westward-extended parking lot features concrete seating steps, complemented by a shaded tree incorporated into a wooden seating island. Walls of exposed concrete impart a robust and vibrant character to the space. The transparent foyer, extending to the upper floor, provides direct views into the sports hall, establishing a seamless connection between the interior and the outdoors.
A Play of Materials:
Selected materials, including light spruce wood, anthracite mastic asphalt, and concrete, adorn the hall interior, creating a visual interplay. The large, flush windows open up expansive views of the outdoor sports fields, and the use of spruce wood in lockers, anthracite mastic asphalt, and concrete walls contribute to a harmonious aesthetic.
Designing with Light and Shadow: The Gymnasium Experience
Structured Elegance:
The gymnasium, divisible into three parts, features a structured support system of glulam trusses and suspended ceilings. The integration of light strips and wall cladding with narrow spruce slats ensures a calm atmosphere and superior acoustics. The hall’s generous glazing, coupled with skylights and temperature- and wind-controlled awnings, allows the play of light and shadow from the swaying tree tops, creating a unique spatial experience.
Connecting with Nature:
A narrow corridor with steel balustrades runs above the hall, serving as a mini grandstand. Flexibly divisible changing rooms and dedicated spaces, including a spacious gymnastics room, maintain a connection with nature through extensive window areas. The integration of additional glazing towards the gymnasium enhances the feeling of being amidst nature, offering a dance among the trees.
Sustainable and Efficient Design: A Commitment to the Environment
Energy Consciousness:
The architects prioritized sustainability and energy efficiency throughout the planning phase. Thermal insulation measures, coupled with a central ventilation system featuring highly efficient heat recovery, and concealed photovoltaic modules, underscore the commitment to minimizing energy requirements. The building’s cubic and uncluttered appearance seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings, with the lamellar structure of the façade remaining visually uninterrupted.
Aesthetic Continuity:
The sports hall at “In den Breitwiesen” emerges as a testament to sustainable architecture, seamlessly blending modern functionality with the serenity of nature. The cubic simplicity of its design, paired with a meticulous selection of materials and a commitment to energy efficiency, ensures that the lamellar facade continues to elegantly complement the natural landscape from every vantage point.
