WRZV sports halls
| Client | Municipality Zwolle |
| Completion time | 2018 – 2021 |
| Market | Sports and recreation |
| Team | |
| In collaboration with | AGS Architects, bbn adviseurs, Breman Installatiegroep, Pellikaan Bouwbedrijf B.V. |
| Location | Zwolle |
| Project scope | 4750 m2 bvo |
| Expertises | |
These new WRZV sports halls replace the old WRZV halls and are designed and organized to accommodate various sports organizations, associations, and educational institutions. The new sports halls consist of two halls with various supporting facilities, thereby expanding the usability of the sports facility.
Building with low environmental impact
ABT, in collaboration with AGS Architects, designed an elegant hybrid timber structure to minimize the CO2 footprint related to construction. Circular materials were used in the finishing, including acoustic insulation made from recycled denim (jeans) fibers. The halls were designed to be demountable and constructed from renewable materials. In alignment with sustainability goals, the ground floor concrete was made using environmentally friendly cement types, omitting the cement screed to further reduce environmental impact. The building is gas-free, rainwater is locally infiltrated into wadis, and the extensive PV panels generate more electricity than is consumed.
Components reuse
The contractors also proposed reusing components. Some of these items found a second life in the new building:
- Cable trays from an old printing press.
- A large batch of used washbasins.
- An air handling unit from another project.
- Surplus sandwich panels in various colors and finishes, placed where they remain out of sight.
- Entrance mats made from recycled rubber tires.
Durable timber construction
The construction of the sports halls is carried out using laminated wooden truss beams with laminated wooden columns. These trusses span 31 meters in the large hall and 27 meters in the small hall. The diagonals in the wooden trusses of the halls are executed as tension rods, resulting in an elegant load-bearing structure with a warm and slender appearance. The two halls are connected by a large truss, also constructed from laminated wood. This creates one large space. The roof is made of steel roof panels.
Net-zero energy balance
The sustainable replacement for the 30-year-old sports facility is designed with a net-zero energy goal (NOM). Every building requires energy to function. The aim was to generate this energy as efficiently as possible and recover it where feasible. It all starts with heat pumps, which, in the well-insulated predominantly wooden construction, are three times more efficient than traditional central heating.
The frequent use of showers in the halls creates a substantial heat demand. In addition to recovering heat from shower water, managing peak demand is achieved by using boosters alongside the base hot water supply. Furthermore, any excess generated heat is maximally recaptured. Regarding electricity, smart LED lighting plays a crucial role in minimizing energy consumption.
Energy-supplying
In the context of NOM, the expected usage of laptops, refrigerators, and cooling devices is taken into account. Despite relatively low consumption by the building and its occupants, the PV panels generate significantly more energy. Typically, a south-facing panel at a 35-degree angle provides optimal efficiency. Through simulations based on shading and foot traffic, an alternative layout was devised to maximize the roof’s performance. As a result, the building is now energy-supplying.
Images © AGS Architects
Special video
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management created a video (in dutch) showcasing this unique project as an example of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
