The new sports hall sits at the heart of the Waldau recreation and sports area. Designed as a compact, cubic volume, it integrates thoughtfully with the northward-sloping terrain—revealing only a portion of its mass above ground. This approach allows the substantial building and its southern forecourt to nestle naturally into the landscape. The open space along the west side functions as an active recreation plaza and provides a seamless connection to the adjacent ice rink.

Architects Glück + Partner derived the building's form from two key imperatives: structural performance and daylighting. Five elongated, cubic light shafts—clad on all four sides with translucent material—crown the main structure. These elements accommodate both the exposed box girders of the hall's support system and the service infrastructure for curtains and basketball hoops, creating a serene, rhythmically organized ceiling. To minimize cross-sectional depth, the roof structure employs primarily beech timber. Wood defines the hall's external character as well: opaque walls are finished with untreated larch slats, while a slatted timber screen on the south façade provides privacy without obstruction. This innovative timber engineering earned the hall recognition as a model project funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
The facility's functional zones are arranged on a single level in a north-south sequence of four distinct areas. The first zone, at the south entrance, contains the foyer, multipurpose room, indoor play landscape, and support spaces. The second zone—the heart of the design—houses the triple-court hall and spectator seating. The third comprises equipment storage, staff changing facilities, a control room, and fitness studio. The fourth zone contains locker rooms and technical infrastructure. A basement level to the north provides parking with direct hall access. A recessed corner at the southwest marks the main entrance, from which all hall functions branch logically. An open corridor connects the foyer to spectator zones, the multipurpose room, and play area. Three low-rise stepped seating sections serve as tiered stands. Both the multipurpose room and play landscape open partially to the corridor through glazing and step down across multiple levels. A gentle ramp descends to the hall floor and changing areas. The rear section rises to two stories, with outdoor-activity changing rooms and sports club offices on the upper level.

www.glueck-partner.de

Photography Credits:

Achim Birnbaum
www.achimbirnbaum.eu

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 04|22)