Reflecting the sky, Palinges gymnasium (France)

“At first, the municipality of Palinges in Saône-et-Loire simply wanted to build a roof over a sports field on the site of an existing basketball court. In the end, we built a closed sports facility that could be used for different sports activities” explains Cristina Vega Iglesias, architect and co-manager of Burlat & Vega, who sought to design a “well-defined, simple functional building for users to make their own.”

The geometric building can be decomposed as a concrete base surmounted by a metal structure. This structure is clad with two layers of Danpalon^®; the interior layer is Ice colour with a Softlite finish. This was the first time that the architect used this facade material: “I was able to exploit each of its properties in the step-by-step process of building design.”

Double layer, double function

Initially the architect wanted to use glazing…but the subsoil studies revealed the presence of cavities, and the building had to be redesigned “to be lighter.”

Danpalon^® was then found to be an interesting solution, namely for its thermal regulation characteristics. “The system that we designed combines two layers of Danpalon^®, each with their distinct properties, separated by an air space that allows the exterior layer to filter UV rays, and thus avoid overheating, and the inner wall to diffuse light in a homogenous way to avoid glare. Both are essential properties for the practice of sports” confirms the architect.

Semi-ventilated facades

For Cristina Vega Iglesias, it was equally important to propose a well-ventilated building, “without that stifling effect that one can sometimes feel in indoor sports facilities.”

” For this purpose, the architect designed two porches equipped with sliding glazed panels for a total length of 18 meters in opposite wings of the building. These two porches give users access directly outside and provide an entrance for visitors, as well as insuring efficient natural ventilation.

“The facility can be entirely opened to the exterior if necessary, but it can also be ventilated while closed via a system of sliding brise-soleil elements,” adds the architect. As for the result in terms of aesthetics, Cristina Vega Iglesias admits that even she was surprised… “Danpalon^® came through in a way that we never expected. We chose a neutral colour so that the building would blend in with its surroundings. We never imagined that the material would reflect the sky, its nuances, and its lights with such force. Everyone is thrilled!”

Project identity

CLIENT
Mairie de Palinges
03 45 58 03 30

ACHITECT
Burlat & Vega architectes
03 58 13 04 70
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
https://bonniaud-burlat-vega.com/ 

INSTALLER
STEBI
03 80 33 49 49
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SYSTEM
2 Danpalon^®® skins, Ice color with Softlite finish on the inner skin

Danpalon^®