Romont Community Celebrates Opening of New Three-Storey Building for Culture, Sports, and Education

 

Epicentre, a new building in Romont, Switzerland, has caught the attention of the architectural world due to its unique design and innovative use of natural light. The building's architects, GNWA Gonzalo Neri & Weck Architekten GmbH, have designed a communal space that spreads natural light throughout the building, illuminating its various facilities such as a swimming pool, music conservatory, and sports facilities. The building's eco-friendly design, with solar panel installations and VELUX Modular Skylights, allows it to utilize natural resources to power its activities.

One of the most striking features of Epicentre is its structural design. A glazed ground floor facade contrasts with the building's galvanized steel exterior, which showcases the building's inner structure. The architects have also utilized a unique combination of concrete and wooden beams to create a calm and welcoming environment. From the ground floor, visitors are treated to an array of natural light from the VELUX Modular Skylights, which have been carefully installed to allow daylight to enter throughout the building.

GNWA architects were convinced of the benefits of natural light from the outset, and they have worked closely with daylight solutions partner VELUX Commercial to incorporate their skylights into the building's design. By collaborating with the client and the architects, VELUX was able to adjust standard details to fit the design of the beams, incorporating structural elements, pipes, and acoustics into the plans. The result is a building that is flooded with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for its users.

The building's functional layout has been designed to make the most of its natural light sources. The three floors of the building have been arranged to maximize the amount of natural light that enters the space. Skylights have been installed on the roof, allowing sunlight to penetrate the building from above. On the west side of the building, a covered terrace and green outdoor space provide an additional connection to the natural world. The music conservatory rooms are located on the north side of the building, while exercise rooms and a wellness area occupy spaces along the western and southern facades.

Overall, Epicentre is a truly innovative and impressive building that demonstrates the power of natural light in creating inviting and functional communal spaces. The architects have taken great care to incorporate natural light sources into the building's design, working closely with VELUX to ensure that their vision was realized. From its unique structural design to its functional layout, Epicentre represents a new way of thinking about communal spaces, one that prioritizes natural light and the connection to the natural world.

 

Photo Credits: Rasmus Norlander