Sportcomplex De Schalk opens in Willebroek

The material palette responds to the masterplan for De Schalk and reinforces the project's integration into the landscape. The lower building volumes are constructed in locally characteristic brick made from Boom clay, while the taller volumes are clad in sand-coloured façade panels. The central volume, with its transparent glazed curtain wall, connects the entrance, the hospitality area on the upper floor and the activity park, creating an inviting entrance to the building. The composition of the façades, the gently undulating terrain and the new planting break down the scale of the complex and give the building a natural and welcoming character.

"A sports complex of this scale can easily become an enclosed object in the landscape. By dividing the programme into two halls and placing the transparent public functions between them, the building opens itself towards the park. The combination of glass and Boom brick strengthens this connection to the site." 

— Jochem Verbeek, project architect ZJA Architects & Engineers

The sports complex is compact and clearly organised, and has been designed with low energy consumption, circular material use and future adaptability in mind. Timber columns and beams, CLT floors and the trusses of the sports halls are connected mechanically wherever possible. This allows structural components to be dismantled and reused in the future. Flexible system partitions between the multi-purpose rooms also allow the internal layout to be adapted over time.

"Sustainability is embedded throughout the entire construction project. Timber is the primary structural material, reducing the building's environmental footprint while enabling future reuse. The structure was conceived according to circular principles, while the technical concept focuses strongly on low energy consumption supplied by on-site energy sources."

— Jan van Pelt, project architect, Archiles architecten

Sweco: "The energy concept also focuses on low consumption. The extensive roof area is used for photovoltaic panels with battery storage, while a geothermal borehole field in the ground supports the building's heating and cooling. Shower water is also reused for flushing toilets."

The elite sports hall features retractable seating and can accommodate up to 1,000 spectators, while the recreational sports hall has capacity for 300 visitors. Both halls can be subdivided to allow simultaneous use by different groups and activities. The main spectator stands of both halls are directly accessible from the central foyer. The café, a terrace overlooking the park and a multifunctional room are located alongside them.

The sports complex is located within an active recreational park where sport, play, social interaction and greenery come together in an open and permeable park structure. A clear network of walking and cycling routes connects the various functions and provides smooth links to the surrounding streets. A Finnish running track winds through the entire park, connecting the different zones and encouraging accessible, informal exercise and movement.

The park also provides space for athletics, an urban sports zone with a skatepark, freerunning and bouldering elements, a 3x3 basketball court, and a variety of adventurous play features. For children, an adventurous play landscape has been created with a sand play area, climbing course and barefoot trail that stimulates sensory interaction with the outdoor environment. Lawns, seating areas and smaller meeting spaces also provide opportunities for relaxation and social interaction. The landscape design reinforces the green character of the site through groups of trees, grassed areas and a continuous green buffer along the edges, visually embedding the park within its surroundings.

The design incorporates sustainable rainwater management, retaining, infiltrating and slowing down surface runoff locally as much as possible through planted areas and infiltration facilities. A combination of open spaces and more sheltered areas creates a pleasant environment in which to spend time, while the carefully considered path network provides clear sightlines, social safety and good legibility throughout the park. By combining sport, play, social interaction and greenery, the park becomes an accessible and versatile recreational destination for people of all ages.

"Around the building, the sports programme continues into the landscape. The activity park includes running routes, a skatepark, athletics facilities, 3x3 basketball, a freerunning and bouldering zone, and a range of adventurous play features. Several bioswales have also been incorporated to improve water management across the site."

— Bram Wyers, landscape architect, OMGEVING landscape architects