In 2021, ZJA and Archiles won two design competitions in Belgium. In the late summer, they were awarded the commission to design a ball sports complex and experience park in Willebroek, followed recently for a new sports complex with classrooms to be built in the City Park in Turnhout. Both designs are compact, efficient and inviting, seamlessly integrated into their green surroundings and characterised by ambitious climate goals
The winning design by ZJA, Archiles and OMGEVING in Willebroek makes optimal use of the site's existing qualities, enhancing the experience of the green landscape, improving water management and strengthening connections with the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Koen Dergent (architect/director, Archiles Architecten): “The starting point for our design for AGB Willebroek was to achieve a good relationship between the building and the experience park. The complex nestles as lightly as possible along the north-western edge of the park. It consists of two tall volumes – the sports halls – linked by the supporting functions in the centre. The front façade faces the park, with the entrance visible from afar.”
The ball sports complex is characterised by a clear layout and optimal orientation, sustainable energy and material use, and flexibility wherever possible. The ground floor accommodates two large sports halls and associated facilities such as changing rooms and storage areas. The upper floor contains a cafeteria overlooking the sports halls, as well as multipurpose spaces. The central volume containing all the supporting functions of the sports halls is designed to be as transparent as possible. Daylight penetrates deep into the centre of the building through the front façade and several rooflights.
Ralph Kieft (partner/architect, ZJA): “By opting for a modular, exposed load-bearing structure and honest, circular materials, the sports complex has an inviting, distinctive and sustainable appearance. Using timber as the primary material gives the building a natural character within the park, while a robust, impact-resistant brick plinth made from Boom clay connects it to the other buildings in the park. Inside, the structure will remain exposed, the communal spaces will have a spacious and warm atmosphere, and visitors will have excellent views of the activities taking place in the sports halls from the public areas.”
Turnhout's 50-year-old sports hall has become too small and is due for replacement. Ralph Kieft: “Set in the heart of the city park, with its majestic trees, winding avenues and paths, and open lawns, the new sports centre will occupy a prominent position. With its rounded timber façades, the design blends seamlessly into its surroundings. A prominent canopy creates a welcoming entrance, while the windows offer glimpses of the public activities inside. A glazed climbing tower crowns the building as an eye-catching feature.”
The ground floor is designed to accommodate two large sports halls, while the upper floor contains a cafeteria with a large terrace and multipurpose spaces. One of the sports halls has a permanent grandstand. The complex will also include a multifunctional sports hall, a dojo and eight classrooms.
An integrated approach to sustainability is central to this project as well. This is translated into a compact, flexible and well-insulated building with a demountable structural frame and the use of biobased, reusable and recycled components. Nature-inclusive design also plays an important role, alongside achieving a closed earthworks balance and creating a materials passport to document the building as a materials bank. The possibilities for connecting to the local district heating network are also being explored.
Koen Dergent: “The new building should provide a comfortable environment for pupils, athletes and visitors. It will be a pleasant place for everyone, with both the building and the park playing a connecting role. The design team has focused on creating a well-functioning whole, with attention to efficient management and straightforward maintenance. With its ambitious climate goals, the new complex should also become a sustainable showcase for the city.”
Ball Sports Complex and Experience Park, Sportsite De Schalk
Architect: ZJA in collaboration with Archiles Architecten
Client: AGB Willebroek
Landscape design: OMGEVING
Sustainability, structural and building services consultant: SWECO
Acoustics: De Fonseca
Sports Complex with Classrooms, Turnhout City Park
Architect: ZJA in collaboration with Archiles Architecten
Client: City of Turnhout
Landscape: Studio Thomas Willemse
Structural engineering and building services: Studie 10
Sustainability, EPB & acoustics: Daidalos Peutz
Safety: ASBT
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