Alma Sports Hall by Benjamín Murúa Arquitectos: A Climate-Responsive Design in the Atacama Desert

Nestled at a breathtaking altitude of 2,900 meters in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, the Alma Sports Hall, designed by Benjamín Murúa Arquitectos, exemplifies architectural resilience in one of the most extreme climates on Earth. Completed in 2023 and spanning 1,333 m², this recreational facility is a sophisticated response to the region’s harsh environmental conditions, including intense solar radiation, high winds, dust storms, snow, and significant temperature fluctuations.

Adaptive Architecture in the High Desert

The design addresses critical environmental challenges from the outset. To withstand heavy snow loads and powerful winds, the structure was meticulously engineered to prevent deformation and overstructuring. The building envelope was conceived in layered strategies. The first involved an aerodynamic, low-curvature roof, shaped to reduce wind resistance and improve overall stability.

The second, more innovative approach was partially submerging the main program underground. By placing the sports court at a subterranean level, the design leverages geothermal energy to enhance thermal efficiency and occupant comfort. This buried level also ensures protection from extreme external conditions, resulting in a naturally cooler internal environment during the region's hot days and greater warmth during freezing nights.

Form and Function: A Concave Spatial Experience

These dual strategies culminated in a distinctive concave form. This geometry not only optimizes aerodynamics and passive climate control but also creates a continuous, fluid interior space that enhances the spatial quality of the sports facility. The visual simplicity of the roof belies its technical sophistication—it was later refined to further increase its aerodynamic performance and thermal insulation. This adjustment required burying the court even deeper, reinforcing the design’s commitment to climate responsiveness and energy efficiency.

A Sustainable Sports Infrastructure

Constructed with materials provided by Ingelam and Versaidag, and photographed beautifully by Cristóbal Correa, Alma Sports Hall is more than a sports center—it is a sustainable architectural solution rooted in environmental intelligence. The project reflects a deep understanding of site-specific constraints and illustrates how thoughtful design can foster well-being even in the most challenging contexts.

All Photographs are works of Cristóbal Correa