In the north of Amsterdam, a sports hall is being built on Meidoornweg, and work is progressing rapidly. With a total floor area of 2,700 m², the building will provide ample space for children and young people from two neighbouring schools to take part in sports activities. In addition, the new sports hall will be open to sports clubs in the evenings and at weekends. The building currently takes the form of a steel structure supporting the wooden roof construction above the sports hall. The roof structure, made entirely of wood and spanning the 1,630 m² playing area, is particularly impressive. 

Project development, planning and engineering are already being carried out by Korlam, our new partner for the Benelux countries. 

Four pairs of glulam beams span the building’s width of 34 m as primary beam axes. Structurally, they enable the sports field to be divided into three separate sections. The secondary structure, each with a 16 m span, is formed by the Kielsteg structural elements as a continuous surface across the three sections. Kielsteg provides flexibility for the installation of necessary sports equipment. Used as a secondary structue, it provides the necessary span with a low construction height and low dead weight, serving as a platform for the PV system. The structure is divided into the towering central cuboid, which acts as a shell for the sports field; this is surrounded on three sides by a low-rise structure. The single-storey building places the access areas, the buffet, the washrooms and changing facilities arranging them clearly and conveniently close to the central sports area. 

The future greening of the sports hall’s towering façade will provide cooling through evaporation on hot days. Furthermore, the green façade serves as a natural habitat for insects and birds. Over the years, the green cube will create an ecosystem that connects with the surrounding park. The roof will be fitted with solar panels to make the building self-sufficient in its operation. 

With this building, the Amsterdam-based architectural firm RU+PA has created exemplary architecture in terms of synergy effects that thoughtfully extend beyond the building’s actual use.