Based on the Cradle-2-Cradle philosophy, the building to a great extent is built with materials from renewable sources and recycled materials.
Sports centre Nieuw Zuilen, Utrecht

- Size
- ca. 4.200 m² GFA
- Commission
- Integrated design
- Duration
- 2008 - 2010
- Budget
- € 5.500.000
The building is located at the bottom of a tree lined lane. With its eye catching pitched timber roof that references the barn typology, high quality masonry and large glazed facades, the sports hall has manifests itself as a modern, friendly building with characteristic artisanal details.
The pitched roof, together with the fact that the building is partly sunken into the ground, gives the building a modest look and naturally embeds it in its green surroundings. The connection with the sport fields is made through sloping surfaces. The fact that the ground floor is lowered makes it possible to create generous stairs and stands that mediate between the terrain and the restaurant on the second floor.
The building also provides spaces for numerous social functions serving the surrounding neighborhood such as: a daycare centre, multifunctional areas, cafeteria, changing rooms for the football club and a skittle alley, thus becoming a valuable addition to the Nieuw-Zuilen area.


The materialization of the interior spaces supports the overall concept. The wooden roof structure in particular gives the building a robust but friendly image and its overhang provides shade for the transparent façades.

The building is fitted with a heat pump and to a great extent built with materials from renewable sources and recycled materials. This, together with a high thermal mass, makes the building highly sustainable while providing an excellent climate for sports and relaxation.

FOTO: MARK PRINS

FOTO: MARK PRINS