Sports complex De Sypel Harderwijk

- Size
- approx. 6.300 m2 GFA
- Commission
- Integrated design
- Duration
- june 2020 – september 2023
- Budget
- approx. € 15.200.000,=
Sports complex De Sypel is a large and diverse sports center in Harderwijk where the focus is on sport in various ways. For example, in addition to two sports halls and a swimming pool with various baths, the complex also contains the classrooms of the MBO Sports and Exercise education centre and a sports cafe.
The sports complex has been adapted and rebuilt several times over the course of the years. Now the swimming pool from 1976 needs to be renewed. The current pool will be replaced by a new swimming pool that has a 6-lane competition pool, an instruction pool and a large recreational pool that has a direct connection to the existing outdoor pool and sunbathing area.
There is also a need for a new sports hall for the sports associations.

One of the conditions for the construction of the new swimming pool was that the existing pool could remain in use as much as possible during the realisation. Therefore, it was decided to build the new swimming pool on the plot between the current pool and the outdoor pool.
After the completion of the new swimming pool and after the demolition of the old pool, there will be space for a new sports hall (De Sypel 3).
For the design of the swimming pool, optimizing the indoor-outdoor use was an important starting point. By using large facade sections that can be opened, the in- and outdoor swimming pools merge completely on hot days with the indoor recreation pool adding extra attraction value to the outdoor pool.

The orientation to the surrounding sunbathing area is accentuated by providing the masonry volumes with frames made of steel cladding that accentuate the large facades. Each separate volume has a different shape and height and focuses on a different part of the sunbathing area. As a result, the internal functions can also be easily recognised from the outside.
The chosen facade materials are in line with the latest expansion of the sports complex in 2013. As a result, the patchwork that has been created over the years will once again become a coherent whole.

The sports hall is sandwiched between the new pool and the complex’s office facilities. Therefore, it will be provided with natural daylight from above by large skylights.
Various supporting functions will be placed on the first floor with a views of sports activities, anchoring the sports hall in the complex.

In terms of materialisation, the new sports hall connects to the swimming pool.
In terms of materialisation, the new sports hall connects to the swimming pool. The sports hall is sandwiched between the new pool and the complex’s office facilities. Therefore, it will be provided with natural daylight from above by large skylights.
Various supporting functions will be placed on the first floor with a views of sports activities, anchoring the sports hall in the complex.

With the indoor materialisation we also connect to the existing structure. The colour palette is natural and restrained with wood as an important addition. The wooden main load-bearing structure contributes to the atmosphere in the swimming halls.
For the recreational area of the swimming pool a completely custom-made swimming pool will be designed with inspiration from local elements in Harderwijk. The children of Harderwijk will also be involved in the design decision making process by means of a large interactive survey.

The entire sports complex, both new and existing buildings, will be completely gas-free and energy-neutral. For this purpose, the roofs will be equipped with PV panels and the current Solkav system with heat pump will take care of the heat generation. All installations meet the latest sustainability standards.
In addition to energy sustainability, other climate adaptive measures, such as green roofs in the layout of the site, will also be included in the design.