Sustainable Sports Facility Design: Daillens Sports Facility by LOCALARCHITECTURE

Redefining Modern Sports Architecture

The Daillens Sports Facility, designed by LOCALARCHITECTURE, stands as a model of sustainable sports facility design. Nestled in Daillens, Switzerland, this innovative building combines functionality, environmental consciousness, and a deep connection to local resources. Completed in 2024, the facility demonstrates how contemporary sports architecture can address ecological challenges while maintaining aesthetic and practical excellence.

Purpose and Vision

The new Daillens Sports Facility replaces the outdated 1970s municipal changing rooms, which had become unusable. Commissioned by the local authority, the building was designed to serve FC Venoge, the local football team, while also providing a space for the village bowls club. The project aimed to create an environmentally responsible structure with minimal impact on the landscape, blending modern design with rural charm.

Local Materials: Building with Community Resources

A defining feature of this facility is its reliance on locally sourced materials. The primary structure is constructed from lowland larchwood harvested from nearby forests, reducing transportation costs and carbon emissions. Straw bales sourced from village farmers were used for wall insulation, with 1,200 bales custom-made using vintage baling machines.

These materials informed every aspect of the design. The straw bales determined the wall dimensions, while the solid wood frames, crafted from glued laminated timber, were prefabricated and insulated off-site. This modular approach not only streamlined construction but also maintained a strong connection to traditional agricultural practices.

Architectural Form and Roof Design

The building’s most striking feature is its expansive, lightweight metal roof. Its ridge mirrors the contours of the Jura Mountains in the distance, seamlessly integrating the structure into its natural surroundings. The roof’s concave shape creates a welcoming presence, framing views of the sunflower fields and football pitch.

Underneath the roof, the building is divided into four symmetrical volumes aligned with the halfway line of the football pitch. These volumes house the changing rooms, showers, refreshment bar, and bowls club space. Covered communal areas connect the volumes, encouraging interaction and creating a dynamic social environment.

Sustainable Design Features

Sustainability lies at the heart of the Daillens Sports Facility. In addition to using local materials, the design minimizes the use of concrete, employing strip foundations to reduce environmental impact. Photovoltaic panels on the roof generate electricity, powering the heat pump and achieving near energy balance for the site.

The facility also emphasizes reversibility, allowing for eventual deconstruction and reuse of materials. For example, elements from the original infrastructure, such as the boot washing station and an old shelter, were repurposed within the new design.

Integration with the Landscape

The structure’s thoughtful placement enhances its connection to the landscape. Raised slightly above ground level, the facility doubles as a seating area during matches, inviting spectators to gather along its perimeter. A long, covered passageway connects the car park to the venue, seamlessly blending with the surrounding agricultural land.

On the pitch side, the rhythmic repetition of wooden frames creates a dynamic façade that resonates with the natural environment. Green-stained larchwood panels and light-colored timber reflect the textures of the countryside, while the corrugated metal roof evokes agricultural structures, tying the building to its rural context.

Craftsmanship and Layered Aesthetic

The architecture emphasizes craftsmanship and layering, with each element showcasing precision and care. The stacked composition of materials, from the natural wood frames to the green larchwood panels, reflects the depth of the straw bales within. Ventilation dividers made from light wood complement the structure, ensuring the design is both functional and visually harmonious.

The contrast between rustic and refined materials, such as the corrugated metal roof and the intricately crafted wooden architecture, highlights the versatility of wood as a material. This approach celebrates the region's woodworking traditions while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design.

A Beacon of Responsible Design

The Daillens Sports Facility represents a mature, forward-thinking approach to sustainable architecture. By prioritizing local materials, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship, LOCALARCHITECTURE has created a building that embodies the principles of responsible design.

The facility serves not only as a functional space for sports and recreation but also as a testament to the potential of architecture to address global challenges. With its innovative use of resources and thoughtful integration into the landscape, it sets a benchmark for sustainable sports facility design.

All Photographs are works of Matthieu Gafsou