The new Sports Hall neighbors the two existing school buildings and introduces sports, recreation and club life to the polyvalent concept of the area. Three sides of the building are available for play and rest between lessons, becoming the new focal point and meeting place for the occupants. The positioning of the structure and the volume of the flat-angled roof together with the entrance area form a harmonic bridge between gym and outdoor sports installations. These features are worth special notice.

The inner layout and organisation follow the natural landscape connecting the upper rest and entry level over a grandstand-like podium for spectators with the lower gymnasium proper. Furthermore, cross-sections chosen for both the in-and outside spaces and the easy access facilities emphasize a flexible use of the hall.

The conceptional logic of the site and the inner set-up are followed by the outside image. The wide-open, coherent floor-level is surrounded and accentuated by the all-around glass front. Views of what is going on inside and vice-versa of the outside panorama are rather spectacular and counterbalance both in design and material the roof and foundation set-up bringing about a remarkably creative entity. The ridge runs diagonal across the roof being a consequence of the different gables and front dimensions. Under the influence of the cross-shaped base-socket, itself adapted to the existing terrain, the seemingly simple geometrical ground-plan suddenly becomes a diversified piece of architecture with a challenging future outlook.

The hall is a wooden framework structure using prefabricated columns and beams (Kerto). The static disposition chosen favours the wooden construction, it’s creative impact and the combination of the front- and roof designs, all these features to form an harmonic entity. From the outside, the terrain-adjusted foundation made of glazed concrete, the all round glass framework front and the tin covered roof-construction appear as a quiet threesome of materials fit to open up the view into the interior. The quality of the glass and the screen printing process used offer top illumination withoutt blinding effects.

A consistent plastic floor-covering throughout the building fullfills whatever requirements there may be in respect of ageing and flexibility and moreover generate an atmosphere of freshness and lucidity in all the rooms inside.

Facts on the supporting structure
- Framework with complex specifications in regard to geometry and assembly.
- Different shapes and lengths of wooden elements, various connecting angles.
- So called „Kerto“ brand laminated wood used for structure and roof with extensive
span capacity and pillars using thinnest possible wooden profile.
- Pure framework concept including all round frame and overlapping t-bars.
Eastside window-framework acting as pull- and push force elements.

Spoerri Thommen Architekten AG_Zürich_April 2015