Surface : 3 825 m²

Cost : 2,95 M€ HT

Mission : loi MOP

Competition : March 2004

Representative Architect :
P. Debard

Landscape Architect :
ART'PAYSAGE

TCE : ISATEG Atlantique

Acoustic : Y. HERNOT

Project completed in association with Pascal Debard, architect

The building and its site

First, the land is characterized by a strong declivity towards the central part. Then, there is an imposing residential area. Furthermore, there is a secondary road that goes along the field. Last but not least, there is a « tight » budget. We have strived towards a solution that could be defined by its formal and yet constructive simplicity. The natural slope of the ground towards the main central circle allows us to fit the project in the lower part of the site: it works as a signal  when seen from the crossroads and it softens the voluminal masse within the residential area.

From an urban and functional point of view, it seemed obvious and coherent to us not to enter the site via the central circle, but on the contrary to enter via the second circle, on the eastern side. This solution allows for an entrance to the sport center through the higher level. Furthermore the project will more naturally be facing the residential area rather than the axis created by the secondary road. Because the sport center is partially built under the ground level, air conditioning is natural; there are less facing on the façade. Greater integration of the building in the neighbourhood comes from the slope of the roof : its shape is a familiar one in the scenery.

Operating mode

Arriving at the sport center through a wide esplanade, spectators and sportsmen can arrive together and go their differing ways just before entering the building: there are indeed two halls, one for the public, the other one for the sportsmen and women. The social function of this infrastructure is crucial. We have chosen to emphasize it by designing a visible, recognizable, unique building where it is easy to feel at home in. The hall extends along the whole width of the building, and it offers a direct access to the top of the stands for both sport venues. It gives a wide and  panoramic view over the entire building, for the people working at the reception office as well as for the parents waiting for their children to be ready to go back home after their training sessions. The bar is open to everyone: patrons may watch the games from there; barmen may also watch what is going on in the sports hall, and to some extent, in the table tennis room. Given its location, the hall  is the place where all sorts of topics can be raised in informal or formal conversations, about sport and, why not?, cultural events.

Contractor: Municipality of Carquefou

Programme:  One sports ground for various activities with seats for 300 spectators. Tennis courts with seats for 100 spectators. A multipurpose hall. Changing rooms, meeting rooms and annexes. A park for sports. Parking (250 parking bays)