Wooden Hall in Ancy-Dornot by Studiolada – A Multi-Functional Timber Pavilion in France

The Wooden Hall in Ancy-Dornot, designed by Studiolada Architects, is a versatile community space that merges recreation, culture, and commerce within a striking timber structure. Located in Ancy-Dornot, France, this 836 m² hall was completed in 2021 under the direction of lead architect Christophe Aubertin. The project embraces local materials, sustainable construction, and a flexible spatial design tailored for a variety of activities.

Architectural Concept & Structure

The building’s structural system is composed of nine timber spans, each placed at 4-meter intervals, supported by 20 concrete bases buried 1.5 meters into the ground. A large concrete slab floor offers exceptional durability and adaptability, allowing the hall to host both sports events and cultural performances.

The primary glue-laminated Douglas fir beams form a warm and open interior atmosphere, while the black pine cladding and timber shell—sourced from communal forests just 1 km away—showcase the use of ultra-local materials. The roof, made from transparent polycarbonate boards, extends down the façade to a height of 3 meters, creating a dynamic interplay of natural light and shadow.

Multi-Use Community Space

The Wooden Hall is designed to accommodate an impressive range of activities:

• Sports: volleyball, basketball, handball, skateboarding, and BMX biking.
• Cultural Events: concerts, theater performances, dance shows, and the village’s annual “Duck Fair.”
• Commercial Uses: organic markets, wine fairs, and community garage sales.

To enhance flexibility, the façade can be enclosed with removable custom-sized tarps, transforming the open pavilion into a marquee or closed performance hall. The inclusion of extraction windows and security lighting ensures year-round usability for both day and night events.

Sustainable Timber Design

The project’s sustainability is rooted in the use of 100 m³ of logs to produce 33 m³ of planks, all sourced from nearby municipal black pine forests. This approach not only reduces the carbon footprint but also highlights the potential of local timber species that are often overlooked. The Wooden Hall serves as both a community landmark and a celebration of regional craftsmanship.

All Photographs are works of Olivier Mathiotte