Page 50 - Building Journal - May 2017

Overseas

mphasizing the horizon of the fields by
cutting horizontally the three volumes
Eof the buildingis the first step of the
project. The alternation of empty and full
portions develops a checkerboardof concrete
and translucent elements that could be
recognized day and night, from close as well
as from far away.
The calm but radical architecture draws
its sources from the rural vocabulary (farms,
cellars) where the functions and fluxes create
forms.
The main entrance is set in the central
block on the south facade. Split in two by the
horizon line, slightly elevated, it offers a clear
view on the great landscape and distributes
the whole complex with minimum clearance.
Outside, a whistle-shaped balcony gives
view to the panorama. On the rear facade,
the central block stands out and gives access
to two broad concrete ramps.
Finally, the two gyms, one with galleries
and the other dedicated to racket sports, are
partially underground. Their upper part (above
the skyline) is translucent and offers a soft
light to the users.

48 Building Journal