Typensporthalle, Berlin (DE)

“No elaborate gesture, no design experiment. But: a clear and robust building structure for the task of designing a type hall for the most diverse contexts in Berlin’s urban space,” the jury stated our first place (ex aequo with Scholl Architects) for the three-field sports hall in Berlin.
The compact volume of the sports hall occupies as little space as possible and keeps a maximum of outdoor areas free. The orientation is variable – thanks to an optimized supply of daylight, highly effective shading and a clear entrance gesture. Unobstructed sports operation and intuitive visitor guidance are guaranteed in every configuration. Two elements connect the building with the urban context: the large hall window, which allows views from in- and from outside, and the generous invitation gesture of the covered entrance area. Although designed as a freestanding body, it can be easily connected to existing buildings.
The building is divided into two functional areas – the single-story hall and the two-story access and the ancillary room wing on the long side with changing and wet rooms, multipurpose room and stands. The two separate stairwells on the front sides allow the multi-purpose room to be isolated. The technology story in a depression in the roof surface is not visible from the outside.
The choice of materials supports the sober, functional appearance of the building. The interior of the hall is designed with simple and robust wooden elements. The timber structure remains visible. The individual functional areas are defined by a monochrome color scheme for floors and walls. The façade is pulled over the building like a piece of clothing and supports its adaptability. Shown in the basic version as perforated and anodized aluminium meander plate, it can also be designed with vertical wooden slats, facing brickwork (possibly demolition bricks) or panel material (e.g. Eternit).
The supporting structure of the type sports hall consists of a completely prefabricated timber construction on a reinforced concrete slab. The consistent prefabrication allows the construction time to be kept to an absolute minimum.