vertical timber construction shapes twin stacked sports halls in switzerland by kit

"The new twin sports halls in Frauenfeld, Switzerland, designed by kit architects, employ an innovative construction system that prioritizes spatial efficiency, resource conservation, and material sustainability. The compact, vertically organized layout enables both halls to fit within a limited footprint, reducing land use while maintaining functional capacity. The structure introduces Switzerland's first application of a timber- composite ceiling in a sports facility, offering a lighter and more resource-efficient alternative to conventional reinforced concrete systems."

"A defining feature of the project is the extensive use of regionally sourced 'beetle wood,' harvested from the public client's own state forest. Of the 603 cubic meters of timber used, 565 cubic meters were obtained locally. This approach minimizes transportation distances, lowers carbon emissions, and supports regional forestry management. The volume of timber used in the project regenerates naturally in Swiss forests within approximately 30 minutes, underscoring the renewable capacity of this resource."

"Exposed Timber Structure shapes Sports Halls BZT Frauenfeld Architecturally, the building expresses its construction logic through clearly articulated timber frameworks. The structural rhythm is visible on the exterior, complemented by continuous ribbon windows that emphasize horizontal proportions and daylight access. Inside, spruce timber surfaces contribute to a warm, balanced interior atmosphere and stable indoor climate. The project is conceived with a circular construction strategy: its modular components can be dismantled and reused, extending material life cycles and reducing waste."

Twin sports halls in Frauenfeld use an innovative construction system prioritizing spatial efficiency, resource conservation, and material sustainability. A compact, vertically organized layout fits both halls within a small footprint, reducing land use while maintaining capacity. The design uses Switzerland's first timber-composite ceiling in a sports facility, offering a lighter, more resource-efficient alternative to reinforced concrete. Of 603 cubic meters of timber, 565 were sourced locally as 'beetle wood' from the client's state forest, minimizing transport and carbon emissions. Exposed timber frameworks and ribbon windows express structural rhythm and provide daylight; spruce interiors promote a warm, stable indoor climate. Modular circular construction allows disassembly and reuse of components, extending material lifecycles and reducing waste.

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