Sports Hall in den Breitwiesen by THOMA. LAY. BUCHLER. Architekten

Located in Gerlingen, Germany, the Sports Hall in den Breitwiesen by THOMA. LAY. BUCHLER. Architekten is a striking example of sustainable architecture that blends harmoniously into its natural surroundings. Completed in 2022, this 3,237 m² sports facility redefines how sports architecture can respond to both environmental and social contexts.

A Harmonious Connection to Nature and Community

The new Breitwiesen Sports Hall sits at the edge of a sports complex, acting as a welcoming gateway to the broader Breitwiesen Stadion. The building’s clean cubic form is wrapped in a perforated metal facade with fine trapezoidal sheet panels and continuous clerestory windows that create a subtle yet modern identity. Positioned between playing fields, the schoolyard, and the new “Sportlerboulevard” (Athletes’ Boulevard), the building strengthens the link between athletics, education, and the local community.

Thoughtful Public Integration and Design

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the Athletes’ Forum, an open-air forecourt that encourages social gathering. The western side of the building integrates seamlessly with a tree-lined parking area, where wide concrete seating steps and a shaded bench island beneath a mature tree offer a quiet resting point.

Inside, the sports hall unfolds through a two-story foyer. With exposed concrete walls and full-height glazing, the space exudes durability while remaining open and light-filled. From the foyer, a glass doorway provides direct access to the gymnasium, while a bright corridor to the east frames expansive views of the outdoor sports fields.

Interior Aesthetics and Acoustic Comfort

Inside the gymnasium, glulam trusses, suspended acoustic ceilings, and narrow spruce wall slats combine to create a calm, acoustically controlled environment ideal for both physical activity and spectator comfort. The hall can be divided into three sections for multiple simultaneous uses, while ribbon windows and skylights maximize natural daylight and enhance the indoor-outdoor connection.

The interplay of light and shadow—cast through treetop canopies and temperature-responsive awnings—creates a dynamic atmosphere that shifts throughout the day. The upper level features a slim corridor with steel balustrades, functioning as a compact viewing gallery. Nearby, flexibly designed changing rooms and a bright gymnastics room with generous glazing further promote the feeling of being immersed in nature.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability was central to the design process. The hall features a high-performance thermal envelope, a central ventilation system with heat recovery, and photovoltaic modules for renewable energy generation. All of this is discreetly hidden within the building’s flat roof to preserve its sleek silhouette. The facade’s slatted rhythm and minimal volume ensure the sports hall remains visually connected to its forested context.

This project exemplifies sustainable sports architecture that prioritizes low energy consumption, environmental harmony, and user comfort without compromising on aesthetic quality.

All the photographs are works of Simon Sommer