sb 6/2024 (english)

EDITORIAL

DEAR IAKS MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF SB,

As 2024 draws to a close, the IAKS can again look back on an eventful year with many informative events at the international level and in the national and regional sections.

With many extreme weather events, 2024 will go down in history as one of the warmest years on record. So there is a growing focus on the issue of sustainability. The IAKS has covered this topic in many events, including a webinar series held in the fourth quarter that can be viewed as a podcast on the IAKS website.

Following the discussion of many innovative ideas in recent years, we are now seeing an increasing number of targeted and feasible solutions for reducing energy consumption in facility operation and for achieving fossil-free energy generation. In addition, the focus is increasingly on reducing CO2 emissions during construction, although the most CO2 is emitted by sports and leisure facilities (and especially by swimming pools) during their operation. The key task for decision-makers is to set environmental goals – in addition to social and economic ones – at the beginning of a project by drawing on such key indicators as CO2 equivalents per visitor or per square metre.

IAKS Expert Circles develop and publish recommendations for improving the environmental sustainability of different types of sports facilities. In view of the issue's growing urgency, we will be making environmental sustainability the central theme of next year's IAKS Congress. It will take place in Cologne from 28-31 October 2025 in conjunction with FSB and aquanale, the two leading trade fairs for sports, leisure and pool facilities. In addition to these industry highlights, a study trip to Gothenburg in Sweden, with an international congress day, is scheduled for 11-12 March 2025.

This edition of 'sb' also contains many exciting exercise and pool projects. Thoughtful remodelling is upgrading existing facilities; the Aussenmühle district sports centre in Hamburg-Harburg, for example, has been transformed into a modern sports park; the former grounds of the Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, have become the colourful public 'Rita Lee' urban park; and in Knaresborough, UK, the Leisure and Wellness Centre offers an expanded, inclusive programme.

With limited financial resources – and, in the case of the initiative for low-cost sports halls in the Greater Vancouver area, with a small carbon footprint, too – the examples from Canada and Teplice in the Czech Republic show how new spaces for exercise can be created at short notice. For the spa world in Leogang, Austria, the emphasis is on natural materials; wood is also the preferred material for the ceiling structure of the swimming pool hall at the Saint-Georges multi-sports building in Canada.

Look forward to the inside knowledge in the two guest articles. Taking the Ravelin Sport Centre as an example, the architects explain how sports and leisure facilities can be operated in an energy-efficient manner without compromising financial sustainability. And Professor Alastair Cox provides an outlook on the application of PEFCR regulations for synthetic turf.

I now wish you an inspiring read of 'sb', an enjoyable turn of the year and a successful and active 2025!

Best regards

Dr Stefan Kannewischer IAKS President

Dr Stefan Kannewischer

ACTIVE COMMUNITIES

TITLE: Ravelin Sports Centre

Richard Chivers

FIRST IAKS UK & IRELAND SEMINAR "ACTIVE PLACES"

DUBLIN, IRELAND, 2-3 OCTOBER 2024

Author: Stephen Bromberg, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, UK

Photo: Silke Bardenheuer

With friendly support from:

More than 120 architects, engineers, operators, consultants, local authorities and universities from across Ireland and the UK, along with European colleagues, gathered in Dublin to share experiences and expertise on creating sustainable futures for the sport and leisure industry. The first IAKS UK and Ireland event to take place in the country dealt with a host of issues around this challenging topic in a fascinating two-day seminar and study tour.

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Chief Executive Shaun Dawson, who is leading a drive to build a new IAKS UK and Ireland subdivision, opened the conference telling the sell-out audience, “This is a topical and relevant theme which has a strong Irish flavour with an international perspective. It’s all about making IAKS embrace and reach out to all parts of the UK and Ireland.”

SPORT IRELAND CAMPUS: COMMUNITY MEETS ELITE

Day One of the conference was moderated by Gar Holohan, Founder of Aura, and held at the 200 hectare Sport Ireland Campus, an ideal location following Ireland’s best ever Olympic performance this summer.

Tony Lawless, Campus Development Director gave the opening address, explaining the project’s athlete-centred approach and how NGOs, Ireland’s national Olympic Federation and a host of other sports bodies share the space with stunning sports venues. Planning for a new velodrome, badminton centre and cricket oval are well advanced. However, Tony explained, “It’s not just simply about these grand buildings, it’s how we bring the community in, how children can share the environment with elite athletes.”

BUILD FOR THE NOW

Keynote speaker Sarah Keane, Olympic Council of Ireland President and Swim Ireland Chief Executive told delegates that

there was a funding gap for new facilities and that now was the time to build for the future. “A lot of infrastructure in Ireland is getting old, shabby and is not fit for purpose,” she said, calling for a collaboration between public access and high performance. She also gave a plea for a balance between “crown jewel” facilities which take a long time to build – and simpler, smaller ones that can be delivered quicker. “My concern is that we are so busy building for the future we are not building for the now,” she said.

Niall Durney from FaulknerBrowns, Matt Wooding from LDA Design, and Michael Murray, Campus Chief Operations Officer explored tensions between athlete and community requirements and the need to create footfall for the campus to be economically sustainable, something witnessed on the venue tour with corporate hires and community use filling the athletics and swimming venues.

Christy O’Shea from TU Dublin shared some eye-opening data showing how sport provides university students with social connections, and how students who engage in sport receive higher grades and better graduate outcomes.

FOCUSING ON USER NEEDS AT AN EARLY STAGE

Mike Hall from FaulknerBrowns moderated Day Two at the breathtaking Aviva Stadium, with one of the key themes from many speakers being the importance of taking early decisions on facilities and getting these right.

Don Daly from Dublin City Council and Brian MacNeice from consultants Teneo shared insights from the Council’s first ever strategic plan for sport and physical activity. This is built around making it easier for people to choose healthy lifestyle options. Key elements are aligning with national policy, more creative approaches to green space and using fabulous natural resources like the River Liffey.

Ger O’Reilly from Ballyfermot Youth Service gave a masterclass in community engagement to make sure that new leisure facilities – in his case a skate park in a disadvantaged area of Dublin – are exactly what communities wanted and needed. Getting voices of young people heard and engaged is notoriously difficult and Ger’s approach saw Ireland’s youngest ever deputation at a council meeting.

FUN IS KEY

Ola Mattsson from the Danish Foundation for Culture and Sports made an impassioned plea for the industry to better understand the needs of venue users, upending traditional approaches in his home country. “Despite high numbers of sports venues there’s a decline in sports participation. Teenagers drop out of sport,” he told the conference. “Young people want social places to have fun.” He said it should be a “people first” process which asks the end users what they’d like to do, with parkour, graffiti workshops, dance areas, kitchens, street art, music and social facilities integrated into sports venues. “Don’t start with what we will build, start with the why,” he said.

ON THE ROAD TO ZERO CARBON FACILITIES

Meeting the decarbonisation challenge was another key theme. John O’Sullivan from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland explained grants for Irish leisure centres and said tailored bespoke solutions would always be needed - from cutting energy use, investing in mechanical and electrical upgrades, retrofitting or building from new.

Aura Leisure’s Padraig Byrne shared a detailed operator perspective on energy, highlighting the importance of sub-metering, energy awareness, preventative maintaining and staff training. “There are no silver bullets, there’s hundreds of elements you need to change,” he said.

This forensic approach was picked up by Aisling Cleary from FaulknerBrowns who revealed that the zero carbon Ravelin Cen-

tre in Portsmouth, the first stand-alone BREEAM outstanding leisure venue in the UK, uses just 20% of the energy of a typical pool, relying on vast amounts of real time data to control energy use. She also flipped a lot of industry orthodoxy on its head by showing that it can be more carbon efficient to build new rather than retrofit an existing centre.

SMART PLANNING

Tom Jones, an IAKS vice president and Populous’ lead on the Aviva Stadium, took delegates through the incredibly complex journey to create the stadium on a very restricted footprint. Daniel Wynne from the stadium discussed some of the sustainability elements built in from the start like rainwater harvesting and the constant search for new technologies such as lightweight solar materials to keep improving its carbon footprint.

Valerie Mulvin from McCullough Mulvin Architects shared details of Trinity College’s ingenious new sport and accommodation buildings somehow fitted into a very tight space on a city centre site. “You don’t need vast tracts of land for sports venue, you do need to plan them very well and make them flexible,” she said.

Frank Cooney from Cooney Architects showed how important operating models are. His new GAA Centre of Excellence in Meath relies on volunteers and non-experts to operate it so buildings like these need to be designed without sophisticated maintenance regimes.

LEISURE AS A PROBLEM?

Holohan closed the conference with an expert panel looking at future challenges. “Some local authorities see leisure as a problem to be hived off to the private sector, all have finance objectives, but there are huge social benefits,” he said. “We need to ensure access for all sections of the community to leisure.”

The session touched on challenges which operators are facing around energy and staff costs and the “lost generation” of people who never learned to swim during the pandemic. It again looked at the merits of appointing operators before buildings open so that they work with the architects and engineers as they are the ones left when everyone else has gone. There was much discussion as to how IAKS can support the debate about facilities for the next generation of users in Ireland.

KEEP THE DIALOGUE GOING

A s ever, delegates found it incredibly valuable to tour world class venues and hear about operational and other challenges. Aviva Stadium, Sport Ireland Campus and the Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club were perfect settings to discuss industry issues. Thanks to the organisers of the event with a special mention to Gar Holohan for a wonderful event at the beautiful Fitzwilliam!

NEW CONSTRUCTION VS. REPURPOSE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

IAKS NORDIC WEBINAR "OLD SPACES, NEW MOVES”

Author: Marte Dorothea Marstrand, Project Leader, Tverga

Photos: IAKS Nordic

On 27 September 2024, IAKS Nordic teamed up with Tverga and brought together experts and practitioners from Denmark and Norway to discuss the exciting potential of transforming old spaces into dynamic facilities for sports and culture. Over 300 participants from around the globe tuned in to explore how we can breathe new life into existing structures and help reduce our environmental footprint.

In an era when sustainability is paramount, why construct new sports facilities when we can repurpose existing buildings? This question was at the heart of the webinar’s discussions. Building new facilities not only comes with high financial costs but also significant CO2 emissions, complicating efforts to meet climate goals like those outlined in the Paris Agreement. In Norway, the trend towards constructing new sports and cultural buildings remains strong, but an increasing emphasis is being placed on reusing what already exists to combat climate change.

A VITAL STRATEGY FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Lisa Mari Watson, General Manager of Tverga in Norway, opened the webinar with a compelling argument for prioritizing transformation. She highlighted startling statistics from Statistics Norway (SSB): approximately 4,500 large buildings are constructed annually, while 3,300 are demolished. Meanwhile, 157 new sports facilities are built each year in Norway, yet there is a lack of focus on transforming old spaces for modern use.

Lisa Mari emphasized that by 2050, 80-90% of Norway's current building stock will still be standing, which makes transformation a vital strategy for a sustainable future.

She also drew attention to the limitations of the National Lottery Fund, Norway’s primary funding source for sports facilities. Despite allocating EUR 164 million annually to such projects, the fund’s strict criteria hinder innovation, particularly in terms of prioritizing sustainability through renovation and repurposing.

THINK TWICE BEFORE DEMOLISHING

Mie Fuglseth, Senior Advisor on Climate and Materials at the Green Building Alliance Norway, tackled a common misconception: that repurposing old buildings is always more expensive and complex than building from scratch. She pointed out that hundreds of warehouses and industrial spaces are demolished in Norway, yet many of these could be revitalized, for example for sports purposes. Mie encouraged participants to focus on the benefits of transformation - lower environmental impacts, cost savings, and the preservation of local history and identity.

FYSAK ÅSANE: AN OLD SPORTS HALL REDEFINED

Kurt Forsberg, Manager of the Sports Department for Bergen Municipality, showcased the success of the FYSAK centers, innovative facilities for lifestyle sports, often built through the transformation of existing spaces. A prime example is FYSAK Åsane, where an old sports hall has been reimagined as a versatile, multipurpose facility that meets the needs of diverse user groups.

DENMARK: TURNAROUND FOR SCHOOL GYMNASIUMS

Across the border in Denmark, the Danish Foundation for Culture and Sports Facilities is breathing new life into traditional school gymnasiums. Oliver Vanges, a Development Consultant with

the foundation, shared how they’ve revitalized these old spaces, demonstrating that traditional school gymnasiums can be transformed into modern, dynamic environments for physical activity.

OSLO'S BOLD CLIMATE STRATEGY

Sina Jenhaug Ringlund, a Climate Advisor for the City of Oslo, outlined the city's ambitious climate goals: reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2030, compared to 2009 levels. A key part of Oslo’s strategy is avoiding the demolition of existing buildings, favouring the highest degree of reuse possible. The Planning and Building Agency (PBE) has developed a set of climate criteria for use in planning and building regulations, stating that one should always “Avoid the demolition of existing buildings and promote the highest possible degree of reuse.”

HOW TO ACHIEVE GOOD PROCESSES?

Kristin Braut, Head of Transformation at Rodeo Architects, provided insight into the architecture firm’s approach to adaptive reuse. Rodeo has repurposed its own office space and applies the same principles in many of its projects. Kristin emphasized that transformation is about honouring the history of a building while addressing future needs. The process, she explained, begins with careful analysis, user participation, and a commitment to flexibility, ensuring that both the building and its context are fully understood before making changes.

Fo r mo re t h an 60 yea rs, ou r p ate nte d stainless - stee l poo l technolog y has helped c re at e ove r 170 worl d reco rd s and m i l l ion s of water- d renche d s m i l es i n com m unitie s worl dw i de. Faste r to build, less expensi ve to ope rate , in dust r y- l eading 25 - yea r war ra nt y

IAKS WEBINAR SERIES ON SUSTAINABILITY

SESSIONS IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER WELL RECEIVED

Author: IAKS, Felicia Astuni Graphic: RoadLight/Pixabay

The first IAKS webinar series on "sustainability" wrapped up on November 26, marking a resounding success. We were thrilled by the enthusiastic participation, especially from IAKS members worldwide. Some dedicated attendees even joined live sessions at 4 a.m., overcoming time zone challenges to engage with the content. The recordings are available free of charge for all IAKS members.

A DYNAMIC START: SUSTAINABILITY DAY

On October 30, the webinar series launched with the “IAKS sustainability day," a four-hour session packed with expert insights. Five distinguished speakers from the IAKS network shared the latest developments and best practices in their respective fields. This free event aimed to spark interest in key topics and inspire participants to delve deeper into sustainability.

FIVE INTERACTIVE FOLLOW- UP WEBINARS

Building on the success of the IAKS sustainability day, the series continued with five interactive webinars, each led by one of our expert speakers. These sessions allowed participants to explore specific topics in greater depth and provided ample time for questions and discussions. With around 20 participants per webinar and additional input from panellists within the IAKS network, the sessions fostered vibrant exchanges and valuable insights.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the experts who made this pilot webinar series possible: Prof. Alastair Cox, Marc Downing, Mike Hall, David Jarratt, and Mark Palmer. Their time, expertise, and engaging presentations were instrumental in bringing this project to life.

LOOKING AHEAD: THE ROAD TO 2025 IAKS CONGRESS

As we gear up for the IAKS congress in October 2025, two more webinar series are on the horizon. These will focus on "inclusive design" and "innovation," offering a preview of the topics covered at the IAKS congress, shaping sports and leisure facility construction. Through these interactive sessions, we aim to foster collaborative thinking, improve industry practices, and explore innovative solutions for the future.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the next webinar and continue this exciting journey towards the 2025 IAKS Congress!

www.iaks.sport/en/events

Mike Hall Prof. Alastair Cox David Jarratt Marc Downing Mark Palmer

NEW TO THE IAKS NETWORK

MAX FORDHAM, LONDON (UK )

Max Fordham LLP are building services engineers and sustainability consultants. For nearly 60 years, they have engineered energy, air, light and sound to bring buildings to life. From their offices in London, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Manchester and Bristol, they have worked with the world’s leading architects on some of the world’s greatest buildings. Their portfolio includes award-winning exemplars of sustainable design and a diverse mix of beautifully engineered buildings. Recent projects include the RIBA Stirling Prize-winning New Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, the Passivhaus Agar Grove estate regeneration in Camden, the Ravelin Sports Centre at the University of Portsmouth, and 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize short-listed building National Portrait Gallery.

www.maxfordham.com

TOP-SPORT SPORTHALLENINNENAUSBAU, RIETBERG (GERMANY )

For over 25 years, TOP-Sport GmbH Sporthalleninnenausbau has been synonymous with comprehensive solutions for sports hall interiors: from expert advice to the delivery and installation of complete systems in the areas of sports floors, baffle walls, acoustics and ceilings.

According to the company, its trademark is continuous development and the pursuit of innovative, sustainable products that meet the highest current standards with the POLYSPORT brand.

www.topsport-gmbh.de

CITY OF SEINÄJOKI, (FINLAND)

Seinäjoki is a dynamic city with approximately 66,000 residents. Known for its rapid growth and vibrant urban environment, the city is strategically situated along the Seinäjoki River. The city’s pride is its significant architectural heritage by Alvar Aalto. It is an important centre for education and research, hosting institutions such as the Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.

Recent sports facility projects include the Jouppilanvuori roller ski track, ski slope lighting, Kirja-Matti School field upgrade, and Seinäjoki Finnish baseball stadium renovation. Upcoming plans include replacing the piping for the outdoor artificial ice rink and constructing a new swimming hall. These projects reflect Seinäjoki’s commitment to providing high-quality sports facilities, promoting an active lifestyle, and supporting community engagement in sports, ensuring everyone has space to move.

www.seinajoki.fi

GULDAGER, FÜLLINGSDORF (SWITZERLAND)

Guldager (Switzerland) AG is primarily engaged in active cathodic corrosion protection, which reliably prevents rust in:

• Steel containers (e.g. filter containers, reaction containers, activated carbon filters, water containers, elevated tanks)

• Chromium steel and plain steel containers (e.g. boilers, tanks, reservoirs)

• Concrete containers (reinforcing bars) (e.g. water chambers and surge tanks)

In addition to electronically controlled corrosion protection and filter maintenance services, its portfolio includes a wide range of services, ranging from CO2 limescale protection systems and UV, copper-silver and chlorine dioxide disinfection to membrane filtration for the treatment of drinking and industrial water.

www.guldager.ch

SPORTS LABS, LIVINGSTON (UK )

Sports Labs excels in the design, procurement, and testing of sports facilities and surfaces. They evolved from a turf tester to a modern lab, expanding into new turf systems, shock pads, wearable technology, and goal line technology. Core competencies:

• Accreditation & certification: Certifying hundreds of products for FIFA, WR, FIH, and more.

• Global field testing: over 800 fields annually worldwide.

• Expert consultancy: providing seasoned guidance nationally and internationally.

• Innovative R&D: delivering cutting-edge solutions to complex challenges.

The success is driven by the passionate team and strong collaboration with clients and partners, ensuring safe and reliable sports surfaces globally.

www.sportslabs.co.uk

ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY AUSTRALIA, BROADWAY (AUSTRALIA)

Royal Life Saving Australia is a national peak body for drowning prevention and Australia’s leading water safety educator. As a peak authority on safety and risk management at swimming pools and inland waterways, they excel in facilitating collaborative approaches to standards development, industry advancement, research, and advocacy. They offer a range of highly respected events, education and training programs, and expert aquatic risk management advice to governments, investigators, planners, designers, and managers. As a federated nonprofit, volunteer community service organisation, they deliver comprehensive programs nationwide to more than one million Australians annually and run public safety campaigns that reach 15 million Australians every year.

www.royallifesaving.com.au

ABF SWISS AGENCY, VEVEY (SWITZERLAND)

UrbanSkate® is an innovative concept developed by ABF Swiss Agency, founded in 2019, which integrates board sports into public spaces. This project offers "street" lines suitable for all riders, whether they practice skateboarding, rollerblading, scootering, or BMX, while providing seating for people.

As part of a circular urbanism approach, UrbanSkate® harmonizes with architecture and optimizes the use of existing impervious surfaces. Some designs also include pervious areas.

With its multi-purpose urban furniture, UrbanSkate® transforms public spaces into dynamic places that encourage social mixing and living together, reinventing our urban environments as places where everyone can meet, share and express themselves.

www.urbanskate.ch

DMOD ARCHITECTS, DUBLIN (IRELAND)

DMOD Architects is a design practice offering architectural services. They are studio based in Dublin with an international span, prioritising the needs of their clients while navigating the many contingencies of design and construction. Since 1989 they have relished providing creative and pragmatic design solutions through every stage of a project including development feasibility, concept studies, proposal refinement, statutory approvals, competitive tendering, construction administration and handover management. They always delight in new challenges with existing clients and they always welcome new clients.

www.dmod.ie

NEW TO THE IAKS NETWORK

SHANE VARDY RICHLANDS (AUSTRALIA)

Shane Vardy brings more than 20 years' experience within the design, fabrication, construction and commercial aquatic sectors to the table; a passionate industry leader with the skills, experience and knowledge to guide others through technical project considerations and the issues affecting the industry.

As a professional, Shane works with key stakeholders in the aquatics industry; from designers and hydraulic specialists through to asset owners and local government collaborators, imparting knowledge and supporting people at every level to deliver a community focused, best practice project outcome.

FREDERIC TOMARCHIO VALEGGIO SUL MINCIO (ITALY )

Frederic Tomarchio has over 20 years of international experience in various roles among family-owned small and medium-sized enterprises.

Starting his career in the transportation sector, he shifted to the leisure sector working for Myrtha Pools, where he played a key role, for instance, introducing the offsite approach to the Indian market and introducing the concept of digitalization for public swimming pools in France. Frederic has recently founded Swiming, his own legacy to Paris 2024 Olympic Games, aiming at creating a lasting impact on community swimming pools worldwide.

MATTHEW TURNBULL MCKELLAR (AUSTRALIA)

In 2007, after returning to Australia from playing in the NCAA, Matt founded the Canberra Water Polo Academy. More recently, as president of Water Polo in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Matt increased the member base from 330 to over 1300 members in just five years. He also founded the ACT Aquatic Alliance, the first-ever aquatic sports advocacy group in Australia, representing members of major aquatic Olympic sports and Triathlon in the ACT.

Currently, Matt works for the Australian Sports Commission, establishing school programs to promote sport and physical activity.

STEPHEN PLATT SALFORD (UK )

Stephen has over 20 years’ experience in Building Services design and operation across multiple sectors, now acting as Building Services advisor to the PWTAG Council.

Having led the engineering design for the UK’s first Passivhaus leisure centre, Stephen is a strong advocate of Passivhaus for aquatics and its pivotal role in helping local authorities and operators deliver on their carbon commitments.

Use the knowledge of our worldwide network!

WHO WE ARE

The IAKS is the leading global non-profit organisation for professionals from the sports, leisure and recreation facilities industry. Since 1965, IAKS has been enabling international networking for the exchange of expertise in the fields of architecture, construction and operations. IAKS is an IOC Recognized Organisation and cooperates with the IPC and many more international non-profit bodies.

Our network is the meeting place for architects, engineers, clients, designers, local authorities, technical and operative management, sports federations and clubs!

IAKS has partners and members in 153 countries. National sections serve local interests, organise regional and own events and provide information to the members of their countries.

You’re enthusiastic about high-quality, functional and sustainable sports facilities? You appreciate cross-sector exchange among experts?

You’re looking for or can provide forward-looking information on the architecture, construction and operation of sports and leisure facilities?

If so, you’ll feel at home in the international IAKS network: for inspiration, solutions and a global forum.

© IAKS – Hieronymus Caspar

IAKS NORDIC MEETING AND STUDY TRIP 18-19 September, Helsinki (Finland)

Photo: Jarkko Rantamäki

IAKS UK & IRELAND CONFERENCE: "ACTIVE PLACES: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE" 2-3 October, Dublin (Ireland)

Photo: IAKS

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2024 IAKS EVENTS

IAKS SWITZERLAND STUDY TRIP 12-15 September, Ticino and Northern Italy

POOL EXCURSION AND BÄDERFORUM CONFERENCE 17-19 September, Vienna (Austria)

Photo: Dr Stefan Kannewischer

Photo: Nicole Howald

IAKS STUDY TRIP

MELBOURNE - SYDNEY - BRISBANE

26 June - 3 July, Australia

Photo: IAKS

NSC | IAKS 2024: NATIONAL SPORTS & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CONVENTION

27-28 June, Melbourne (Australia)

Photo: NSC WHAT’S NEXT IN 2025?

IAKS ICE MASTERS TRAINING

9-11 April, Landshut (Germany)

Photo: IAKS

IAKS NORDIC STUDY TRIP 11 March, Gothenburg (Sweden)

IAKS GERMANY SEMINAR “OUTDOOR FACILITIES” 12-13 March, Berlin (Germany)

IAKS UK SEMINAR „HOW CAN MODERN SPORTS+LEISURE FACILITIES BETTER SERVE THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITIES?" 10-11 April, Cardiff (UK)

IOC IAKS ARCHITECTURE PRIZE CEREMONY 28 October, Cologne (Germany)

IAKS CONGRESS WITH TRADE FAIR DUO FSB/AQUANALE 28-31 October, Cologne (Germany)

COLOURFUL LEGACY OF OLYMPIC PARK

RITA LEE PARK IN RIO DE JANEIRO

Authors: Ecomimesis Soluções Ecológicas

Photos: Rafael Salim, www.rafaelsalim.com

The former site of the Rio Olympic Park has been turned into a 140,000m² public urban park. The project focuses on the understanding that, within the park, a variety of user experiences and activities are possible and necessary. Ecomimesis has developed the park in sectors with distinct characteristics, including sports areas, an event area, children's area and children's aquatic area. The programme also offers a games area, picnic area, senior fitness area, climbing wall, skate park, bike racks, seating and rest areas, and public toilets. Creating an Atlantic Forest grove and planting native species of trees throughout the park improves public wellbeing.

OFFICIAL OPENING 2024

Location Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Client / Operator City of Rio de Janeiro

Architects

Ecomimesis Soluções Ecológicas, www.ecomimesis.com.br

Lead architect

Amanda Saboya, Caroline Fernandes e Pierre-André Martin

Area 140,000 m²

The Olympic Park in the Barra da Tijuca district in Rio de Janeiro was the main venue for the 2016 Olympic Games. At the time of the Games, the park complex included various sports facilities, such as the tennis centre, Cariocas Arenas and Live Site, all built around the Olympic Way, a wide pedestrian thoroughfare connecting one end of the site to the other, along with its garden terraces. Both were designed to accommodate crowds and meet the high demand for public attendance.

The initial project concept for the legacy involved adapting all this infrastructure for new uses after the Olympics. The main proposal for the transformation into the Olympic Legacy was the conversion of the Olympic Way, Live Site and Garden Terraces into a public park with more green areas, increased vegetation coverage and the creation of active spaces.

CELEBRATING RIO'S LIFE AND CULTURE

T he development of this new project for the Olympic Park, later renamed “Parque Rita Lee” in honour of the Brazilian artist, was put out to tender by the City of Rio de Janeiro in 2022. Ecomimesis, the company that was awarded the contract, was then responsible for the redevelopment of the Olympic Way and its immediate surroundings, totalling 140,000 m² of planned area. The redevelopment centred on the initial premises of celebrating Rio's life and culture, valuing the natural landscape of Rio de Janeiro and transforming the space into a landmark leisure destination for the city.

The space has been divided into two park typologies with different characteristics that intermingle along the way, called the Linear Park and Urban Park. The first denotes the linear extension of the Olympic Way, connecting the park entrance via Avenida Abelardo Bueno to the Live Site on the banks of Jacarepaguá Lagoon. The second includes the areas adjacent to the way and connects the project to the arenas and neighbouring areas.

LINEAR PARK: RECREATION AND SOCIALISING

T he large, linear avenue is 60 m wide and 1.2 kilometres long with a smooth and continuous path, offering shaded areas, public toilets and spaces for rest and socialising. This path, connecting the park entrance to the Lagoon, embodies a process of redefining and readapting the space for the benefit of users through the creation of new vegetated beds over the already constructed flooring structure with the planting of native Atlantic Forest trees, creation of rest areas with urban furniture and meeting spaces with the Live Site.

URBAN PARK: A STIMULUS FOR ACTIVITY

The site is unique and innovative, with recreation and leisure areas, furniture, equipment and playful colourful flooring, aiming to attract users to a modern and unusual space in the city. The urban park has a strong and unique local identity compared to other parks in the city. Its flooring design sectors the spaces and uses of the area, divided into:

• Two multi-sport courts, two 3x3 basketball courts

• Sports area encouraging sports like futmesa, table tennis, basketball and climbing

• Skatepark with a variety of obstacles allowing the practice of the sport

• Children's area with toys for kids of different ages

• Sitting and meeting area with furniture and a picnic area for families

RECONNECTING GREEN AND BLUE SPACES

T his project is part of a municipal network of green and blue spaces, aimed at repairing ecological damage inflicted by extensive urbanisation since 1969. The goal is to reconnect fragmented landscapes and reestablish meaningful ecosystem interactions between local fauna and flora. The project also uses nature-based solutions to promote local-scale benefits and reconnect residents with nature, encouraging awareness of the nature-biodiversity-society relationship, particularly regarding ecosystem goods and services.

The Atlantic Forest surrounding Rio de Janeiro is among the most ecologically diverse locations on the planet: 40 to 50%

of its more than 25,000 species are endemic, and the City of Rio de Janeiro aims to reintroduce forests into urban spaces. Rita Lee Park is part of this process, serving as a model for redefining urban spaces for greater integration with nature and improving public well-being through exceptional recreational areas, while also addressing climate change mitigation.

The proposal strengthens the relationship between humans and nature through initiatives that value the local ecosystem by using native plants and expanding green areas in a highly urbanised region. At the same time, it presents an innovative and modern design, using colours and playful equipment to attract visitors.

CONCRETE GIVES WAY TO GLASS

EXPANSION OF 1970’S SAINT- GEORGES MULTISPORT COMPLEX

Authors: ABCP architecture

Photos: Stéphane Groleau

Connected to the Saint-Georges High School, the new Saint-Georges Multisport Complex is the result of a joint effort by the Beauce-Etchemin School Service Center and the City of SaintGeorges to provide top-tier sports facilities for students and citizens. The complex includes a double gymnasium, a recreational pool, a semi-Olympic pool with ten lanes, as well as classrooms. It stands out for its wooden structures, large bay windows, perforated diamond-patterned envelope, and energy performance.

OFFICIAL OPENING JUNE 2023

Location

Ville de Saint-Georges, Québec, Canada

Client / Operator

Centre de services scolaire de la Beauce-Etchemin, City of Saint-Georges

Architects

ABCP architecture, www.abcparchitecture.com

Marie-Lise Leclerc architecte, www.leclercarchitecte.com

Bilodeau Baril Leeming architectes, www.architectes.ca Lead

The multisport complex is an expansion of the Saint-Georges High School, built in 1974. In its architectural treatment, the expansion adopts and reinterprets the modern heritage codes. Inspired by the existing building, the new structure integrates by revisiting the stratification of levels. Thus, a fully glazed base echoes the concrete sections, while a perforated aluminum cladding with a diamond effect evokes the angulation of the elevated buttresses.

Nevertheless, both buildings bear witness to their respective eras. In the 1970s, concrete was the dominant material, and buildings were quite inward-looking and introverted. The architects wanted to open the new building to the outside world. On the facade, concrete gives way to glass.

The multisport complex is strategically located at the heart of the municipality's education hub. Spanning two levels and running parallel to the existing outdoors athletics track, the new volume’s elongated design enhances its visibility from the street and contributes to the aesthetic refinement of the surrounding public space. Leveraging the site's natural topography, multiple level accesses ensure inclusivity for all users, including those with reduced mobility. By integrating harmoniously with its surroundings, enhancing the landscape, and providing efficient access for pedestrians and cyclists, the sports complex blends into the built fabric to provide a convivial urban and architectural experience for the student and civic community of Saint-Georges.

BRIGHTNESS IN ALL DIRECTIONS

T hroughout the complex, expansive bay windows and strategically placed skylights harness the abundant natural light, creating a luminous atmosphere that permeates both the pool area and the gymnasium. The north-facing facade boasts generous windows, while the south-facing side features an aluminum second skin that filters sunlight, ensuring optimal illumination without glare. Skylights, some stretching up to 20 m in length and positioned to face north in the gymnasium and hall, allow zenithal light to flood these spaces. This illumination artfully accentuates the impressive 28-m clear-span wooden beams in the gymnasium and the 34-m clear-span wooden beams above the sports pool, highlighting their architectural el egance and enhancing the overall luminosity.

EASY CIRCULATION, PLACES TO MEET AND SOCIALIZE

T he horizontal and vertical circulations are designed to be simple and readable. The bright, two-story reception hall leads to the aquatic pools on one side and the gymnasium on the other. The swimming pool's changing rooms and lifeguard offices are centrally located, while the sports organizations' offices and gymnasium changing rooms are arranged along a glass agora overlooking the outdoor forecourt, aligned with the connection to the high school.

At the heart of the building, a wooden stepped staircase connects the different levels, providing a place to meet and socialize, as well as an unbeatable view of the pools. The second level houses the training room, the four classrooms, the bleachers for the sports pool and gymnasium, and the upper foyer. Continuing, the foyer offers a space for relaxation, meeting and study. Bleachers with 250 seats opposite the sports pool and with 100 seats opposite the gymnasium enable spectators to watch the activity on these sports platforms.

In the gymnasium, large openings generously allow natural light to enter from the north, while it is diffused by the perforations in the aluminum cladding on the south. The aquatic area, comprising a 10-lane, 25-m sports pool with 1- and 3-m diving boards, features an access ramp designed for people with reduced mobility and a recreational pool with a beach entry and water games. The space is abundantly glazed, bathing it in natural light. On the south side, the entrance canopy serves a dual purpose, acting as a design element while effectively controlling direct sunlight into the pools, mitigating glare and ensuring optimal comfort for users.

COMFORT, WARMTH, AND SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: WOOD IS KEY

The standout feature is undoubtedly its innovative solid wood roof structure, a striking architectural element that spans an impressive 56 m in the pool area. Thanks to a rigid connection between the beams and the intermediate steel columns, the break between the sections is imperceptible. Finely assembled, the beams form continuous lines that run across the leisure and sports pools and the secondary hall for a total length of 56 m. The effect is enhanced by the fact that the position of the columns serves to delineate functions.

The ceiling above the swimming lanes is structured with beams spaced 5 m apart, perfectly aligned in double rows, creating an aesthetic continuity with the swimming lanes, and forming a wooden line when viewed from the water. Cross-laminated timber decking is used for the roof without intermediate purlins. This structure not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the complex but also makes a significant environmental impact by sequestering over 670 tonnes of CO2. Also, wood was preferred over steel for the ceiling in the aquatic section due to its ability to resist corrosion in a humid environment: despite the high humidity in the aquatic area, the humidity and temperature are meticulously controlled, and this regulation ensures exceptional stability for the wood, protecting it from degradation and making it a reliable material in all circumstances. Choosing wood also aligns with the desire for a warm ambiance, both in the pool area and the gymnasium. The wooden beams are further enhanced by the omnipresent natural light, carefully planned.

1. Gymnasium

2. Office

3. Gymnasium storage

4. Gymnasium change room

5. Agora 6. Outdoor agora

Offices

Reception

Hall

Pool change room

Staff's change room

Recreational pool

Competition pool

Pool storage

Multi-purpose room

INCLUSIVITY FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY

RENOVATION OF KNARESBOROUGH LEISURE AND WELLNESS CENTRE

Author: GT3 Architects

Photos: GT3 Architects and Kristen McCluskie

Originally built in 1990, Knaresborough’s pool was last refurbished 20 years ago. Now having surpassed its lifespan, North Yorkshire Council worked with leisure design experts GT3 Architects, leisure developers Alliance Leisure and contractor ISG – procured through the UK Leisure Framework – to rejuvenate the well-loved leisure offering through demolition and rebuild. The primary aim was to foster inclusivity so that everyone benefits from new spaces, including an emphasis on accessibility for families with young children and individuals with mobility needs.

OFFICIAL OPENING DECEMBER 2023

Location Knaresborough, United Kingdom

Client North Yorkshire Council

Operator Brimhams Active

Architects GT3 Architects, www.gt3architects.com

Contractor ISG

Pool manufacturer Myrtha Pools, www.myrthapools.com Construction

From the start, the emphasis was on centring the outcomes around people. The first steps were embedded in understanding the needs and desires of those who would be using, working in, and living nearby the new centre. Through vision workshops and extensive consultation, the brief evolved beyond simply replacing an older pool with a new one, to creating a welcoming and accessible leisure and wellness hub to blend perfectly with the wider community.

The build programme was also shaped through this engagement, identifying how well-loved the green field next to the site was by locals – and therefore how important it was to protect. Clever positioning allowed a phased approach, protecting the field and keeping the existing pool open for as long as possible, whilst also enabling the space to be repurposed for outdoor play facilities. Electric vehicle charge points and bike storage encourage sustainable travel, and the all-electric centre achieves a BREEAM "Excellent" rating thanks to its highly efficient design.

CREATING COMMUNITY COHESION

The building’s exterior was born from its unique setting, nestled in a historic market town, next to a conservation area and amid listed residential properties. Natural colours and materials reflect and blend into the location, with a high landform helping the building to bed down in a way unimposing on the streetscape despite the scale needed to house leisure amenities.

The mass of the facility was broken into three distinct sections of differing heights. To one end of the building, red brick and

MORE AMENITIES, MORE ACCESSIBILITY

pitched roofing increases sensitivity and reflects the residential properties nearby, with mature trees creating a natural boundary.

More centrally, columns discreetly reference the iconic Knaresborough viaduct, cleverly using the same proportions to create familiarity with the town’s most visual landmark. This central section has a lower form and flat roof, with the stone-coloured colonnade wrapping around the front of the building. Finally, the far end of the building housing the dry leisure amenities features metal cladding, with a warm tone tying the colour palette together.

The new Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre – operated by Brimhams Active – is now home to a six-lane 25-m pool, and smaller activity pool with flume. Meanwhile, a full suite of fitness and studio space have been added, including an immersive cycling studio, along with new changing facilities with sauna and steam room.

CREATE

POSITIVE SOCIAL IMPACT WITH LONG-TERM PROSPECTS

On arrival, users immediately enter a warm and welcoming reception and café space, which features views into the rest of the facility. There are no turnstiles to entry – instead individual spaces within the wider leisure centre have their own controlled access points. This allows unrestricted public access to the café and wellbeing spaces, which have been designed to encourage social interactions. It also affords better access to the changing places room, which is fully available to the public, providing specialised facilities for individuals with disabilities.

From a physical perspective, wayfinding is simplified by all building amenities being accessed from a central space, eliminating the need for long corridors and complicated directions. In addition to simplifying access to all facilities, having a single primary circulation route also supports caregivers of children, particularly those visiting in large groups (such as local schools, sports clubs and larger families). Clear visibility and known access points across all facilities help with safeguarding and peace of mind.

The design incorporates several additional accessibility features, from extra handrails across the facility to the purposefully linear design of the wet change area. Straight corridors and a primary circulation route enable clear visibility – ensuring peace of mind when shepherding children to and from the pool/changing village – whilst also making the space much easier to navigate, either by foot or by wheelchair. An additional buggy/wheelchair storage area is located close to the entrance to the wet changing village, ensuring belongings can be easily accessed.

PEOPLE- CENTRED DESIGN

The renovation of Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre was based on the specific needs of the community. The project provides a legacy, serving as an important part of the council’s vision for healthier communities, making sure that a well-loved facility was revitalised for future generations to come.

ORGANIC DESIGN

Author: Hadi Teherani Architects

Photos: HGEsch Photography

OFFICIAL

Location Leogang, Austria

Client

Partner

Project

Landscape

ATMOSPHERE is a new spa and wellness destination in the Austrian Alps and the latest addition to the 5-star Krallerhof hotel and spa complex, nestled on the slopes of the Asitz. A site of inner tranquility and new perspective – including a natural lake for bathing with an area of 5,500 m², a 50-m-long infinity pool, and a wide-ranging offer for regeneration, relaxation and rejuvenation. The recreational facility was designed by Hadi Teherani Architects.

The new design is comprised of a curved split-roof structure that arches over 100 m and blends into the green surroundings, an underground connection to the main hotel that is punctuated midway by a circular sunken courtyard, and a 5,500 m² natural lake as the centerpiece of the landscape. Located on a sloping site, the smooth shape aims to minimize the visual impact on the scenic view from the hotel while adding an integral element to the alpine terrain.

The organically designed spa blends calmly and with due respect into the Salzburger landscape – a puristically minimised

structure made of glass, wood and exposed concrete that gives room and opportunities for holistic relaxation to those looking for recreation and recuperation.

In harmonious transition from Krallerhof to ATMOSPHERE, the new spa world manifests itself in a spiral-shaped atrium, an alpine Zen garden in which the sound of flowing water readily brings the first signs of “deceleration”. Those in the mood settle down here for a moment, breathe in the fresh mountain air – and subsequently “surface” again in the stylish interior of ATMOSPHERE – with the mountains in full view, the water as focal point.

ARCHITECTURAL ICON

ENCIRCLED BY WORLDS OF WATER AND MOUNTAINS

Everything flows – the transition between outdoors and indoors, too. In both winter and autumn the architecture provides people with a special setting to gaze at nature. In the warmer season the borders become completely blurred: that is, when the time comes for the glass facade to sink entirely into the ground.

Water and ambience also form the central theme in the inner world of ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof. Whether in the Blue Grotto, the Infrasal Room, the “sea view” saunas, the Ice Grotto or on the sun deck that rims the entire natural lake for bathing, guests find room for rest, relaxation and regeneration. Swimming can be enjoyed year-round in the olympic-sized infinity pool integrated seamlessly into the lake.

Nature played the starring role in choosing the materials: lime wood, ash and oak, alpine marble, glass and exposed concrete. The choice of materials is limited to local products in order to take the “genius loci”, the sense of resource conservation and short production routes into account. Locally produced wood and glass are used to accompany the exposed concrete walls with vertical boarding, and special furniture is made of so-called alpine marble from the immediate vicinity.

SPLIT FLOORPLAN TYPOLOGY

The overall space in the new building is organized based on a split floorplan typology: both levels are covered by the main roof while exhibiting a difference in height of more than 4 m. A lamella ceiling has been designed in order to create a cohesive interior space. It starts from the beginning of the connecting corridor to the hotel and runs almost 175 m to reach the far end of the main roof. The CNC-milled construction adapts to the ever-changing form of the building along the way and serves to bring all the elements together.

The building connects to the main terrace and the promenade around the lake to the west and via a descending glass facade. The panoramic opening creates a uniform indoor/outdoor space between the open plan on the first floor and the linear swimming pool nestled inside the lake. The ground floor houses the various saunas, the locker rooms and a relaxation area with split platforms oriented eastwards together with the main view

along the valley. The main highlight on the ground floor, however, is the Finnish sauna. 21 m long and 4 m high, the wooden structure is glazed in the direction of the facade while adding a smooth sculptural volume to the interior.

BIODIVERSITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability also stands first and foremost in the construction style for ATMOSPHERE. The project was consequently realised in an eco-friendly manner and conserves resources. The natural lake for bathing was filled once from the hotel’s own spring – the lake and its water level will self-regulate in future via the natural cycle of evaporation and precipitation. The newly created “plant belt” in the lake supports biodiversity along with the flora and fauna. To heat the 50-m-long infinity pool by means of its own biomass power plant the Krallerhof utilises wood chips from the timber construction enterprise only 200 m away. The excavated material incurred while building the spa was reincorporated into the topographical design, and is now a source of new flora and fauna.

Ground floor

FLEXIBLE USE, MULTI-CODING AND AN ORIGINAL COLOUR SCHEME

REMODELLING OF AUSSENMÜHLE DISTRICT SPORTS FACILITY INTO A MODERN

SPORTS PARK IN HAMBURG - HARBURG

Author: Oliver Kilian

Photos: Oliver Berkhausen/ Kilian + Kollegen Landschaftsarchitekten

The remodelling of the existing Aussenmühle district sports facility in Hamburg-Harburg into a modern sports park is an outstanding example of combining flexible usage options with an innovative design approach. Kilian + Kollegen Landschaftsarchitekten (landscape architects) have worked closely with the clients and park users to create a facility that breaks down rigid categorisations with overlapping uses, offering a wide range of sports and leisure activities for all generations. In addition, its dedicated colour scheme ensures that the system is not only functional but also aesthetically distinctive.

OFF ICIAL OPENING 2024

Location Hamburg, Germany

Client / Operator

Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg

Design office

Kilian + Kollegen Landschaftsarchitekten www.kilianundkollegen.de

Construction costs

EUR 4.1 million

POINT OF DEPARTURE AND PARTICIPATION PROCESS

The original district sports centre was showing its age and, with its large pitch and old cinder running track, offered only limited scope for use. Furthermore, the sports surfaces were so waterlogged due to the high water table that sports practice became impossible in the period prior to the redesign – resulting in the facility being closed for an extended period.

The City of Hamburg took this as an opportunity to modernise the facility as part of its Active City strategy. The Active City approach aims to promote the awareness of sport and healthy lifestyles in Hamburg. Thanks to a wide range of measures, local people are encouraged to become more

active, improve their health and take advantage of various opportunities for exercise in urban settings – so-called ‘activating urban spaces’. Sports facilities play a central role in the Active City strategy, as they form the backbone of the sports infrastructure.

Accordingly, Aussenmühle sports park has been redesigned to create structured opportunities for sports and exercise. They were to be readily accessible, available for intensive, efficient and free use, and integrated into the surrounding area. The planning was preceded by a broad-based participatory process involving schools, sports clubs, residents and other institutions, whose ideas and needs were identified. In addition to the desire for improved football pitches and athletics facilities, there was a clear need for exercise programmes for teenagers and young adults, as well as for play areas suitable for a range of sports and leisure activities. The findings of the participation process contributed significantly to the planning process.

MULTI- CODING – ELIMINATION OF RIGID LIMITS TO USE

A central feature of the remodelling is multi-coding, in which sports areas can be used flexibly and different activities can be practised in the same spaces. Instead of strictly demarcat-

ing areas for different sports, the new design allows for a wide range of uses. This combines classic athletics with recreational fun and creates an inclusive offering in which different age groups and pursuits can flourish side by side.

A COLOUR SCHEME FOR IDENTITY AND DISTINCTIVENESS AND AS A STIMULUS FOR EXERCISE

A unique feature of the new sports park is the remarkable colour scheme of the synthetic surfaces. The combination of two shades of blue offset with red not only gives the sports park a distinctive identity, but also has a strong appeal for users. The colour scheme was deliberately chosen to visually highlight the sports park and act as a powerful stimulus. The contrasting blue tones and a red stripe not only mark different areas of use, but also serve as points of orientation within the park. The colour scheme creates a modern, fresh look that underscores the vibrant and to some extent open design of the spaces.

The basic design of the green and paved surfaces also follows the idea of vitality, applying an asymmetrical language with rounded corners that are associated with motion and flexibility. The rounded edges also convey a sense of flow and lightness, which sits well with the idea of an active and lively sports facility.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE INNOVATIONS

SYNTHETIC TURF PITCH

The centrepiece of the redesign is the conversion of the former cinder pitch into a modern football pitch with an synthetic turf surface. The use of sand-filled synthetic turf makes the playing surface durable and weather-resistant. This pitch is suitable not only for regular football matches, but also for youth football, thanks to the additional marking of smaller pitches. This makes the pitch multifunctional for different age groups and standards of play.

BEACH AREA

As an extension of the sprint track, a large sandy area has been created that can be used as both a long jump pit and for beach volleyball. Raised lawns create a stadium-like atmosphere and permit viewing at one’s leisure. The beach volleyball area breaks down the classic functional boundaries by blending seamlessly into a relaxed beach area with hammocks. This is where sporting and leisure activities form a unified whole, inviting you not only to play, but also to linger and relax.

SPORTS AND EXERCISE AREAS IN THE SEGMENTS

A small sports surface has been created in the northern part of the facility that can be used for football, basketball and handball. The multiple markings on the playingWsurface make it possible to play different team sports in the same space. The area also features several different shades of blue and a creative interplay of lines and shapes, which can also be used for individual, creative play.

The southern segment contains a calisthenics and parkour facility consisting of functional training elements such as bars and concrete elements. This facility is specially designed for sports activities using one’s own body weight and offers numerous options for a wide range of different exercise forms, including climbing, jumping, hanging and balancing. Additional variety is provided by four trampolines, which can be used for fun and ambitious jumps. Two parallel running tracks in red can be used for sprints or free, creative play.

ATHLETICS FACILITY WITH AN OVAL TRACK

The outdated basket-handle running track has been replaced by a synthetic modern running track. Two oval running lanes and four sprint lanes will be available for running disciplines for both competitive and recreational purposes.

SHOT-PUT MEETS BOULES

The landing area of the shot-put can also be used for boules. This design creates a fluid transition between athletics and leisure use. In addition, various table tennis tables are located near this area – a request from the participation process.

CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA

In addition to the many sports facilities, a children’s play area has been integrated near the clubhouse’s outdoor restaurant area. Here, elements of free play are combined with exercise components, boosting the appeal of the sports park for families and younger children.

INTERACTION AND COMMUNICATION

The sports park is equipped with various seating options: the boules area comes with a long bench. In the starting area of the running tracks, there are classic park benches in the light shade of young trees. The seating is supplemented with large wooden platforms whose basic shape follows the design of the park as a whole. These platforms are seating and relaxation areas of a more informal nature and can also be used for reclining or as a stage. In this way, sporting activities are combined with opportunities for recreation and social interaction. The new sports park promotes not only exercise, but also interaction and relaxation in a contemporary open-space design.

ACCESSIBILITY AND BARRIER-FREEDOM

The entire park has been designed barrier-free to make it accessible for people with limited mobility. A running track running diagonally through an embankment provides barrier-free access and at the same time – thanks to a synthetic coating – serves as a sloping sprint track. The sports park is easy to reach, as a second entrance is also barrier-free. Since the redesign, the park has also been accessible from four sides, optimally integrating it into the neighbourhood and linking it to other open spaces in the area.

CONCLUSION

The remodelling of Aussenmühle district sports facility in Hamburg-Harburg into a modern sports park is a forward-looking project which is impressive with its wide range of facilities and distinctive design. The flexible usability of the areas combined with the extensive range of sports on offer create a lively sports facility that provides space for organised club and standardised sports, as well as informal individual and leisure activities. Aussenmühle sports park is a shining example of a modern sports facility that not only promotes sporting activities, but also serves as a place for the community to come together.

LOW - COST SPORTS HALLS IN METRO VANCOUVER

EUROPEAN TRENDS COME TO CANADA’S WEST COAST

Author: Glen Stokes

Photos: Andrew Latreille, Latreille Architectural Photography

Accommodating public recreation and sport has become an acute challenge for Canadian municipalities. With an increasingly urbanized and long-living populace, more recreation space is better; with rising costs, more is difficult. Recent and rapid investment in European style “sports halls” threads the needle of accommodating demand with available financial and carbon capital. The initiative with six facilities is chaired by Carscadden Stokes McDonald Architects.

Multi-use covered sports boxes have recently been embraced in Metro Vancouver for their potential to provide relatively low-cost, low-tech, and low-carbon spaces that expand municipal recreation facilities and opportunities. On Canada's West Coast, where the summers are getting hotter and winters are notoriously rainy and getting stormier, the evolving climate patterns are changing the way communities play and stay active throughout the year. In response, a building typology common in Europe is beginning to gain traction here – the open sports hall. This facility type aims to provide resiliency and encourage community activities yearround, a permanent facility with a relative minimum of intervention in the landscape and maximum impact on active communities.

OFFICIAL OPENING FEBRUARY 2024

Location Burnaby, Canada

Client / Operator City of Burnaby

Architects Carscadden Stokes McDonald Architects Inc, www.carscadden.ca

Construction costs CAD 5.5 million (EUR 3.7 million)

FOUR CONSTRUCTED, TWO MORE IN THE PLANNING

Since 2020, six sports halls have been completed or are in design for southwest British Columbia municipalities of Burnaby, Ladner, Xwmélch’sten, Surrey, and Pitt Meadows.

• Ladner Lacrosse Box, Delta BC - completed 2021

• Sohen Gill Multi-Sports Hall, Confederation Park, Burnaby BC - completed 2024

• Jack Crosby Multi-Sports Hall, Riverway Park, Burnaby BC - completed 2024

• Squamish Nation Lacrosse Cover, North Vancouver BC - in construction

• Pitt Meadows Sports Hall, Pitt Meadows BC - in design

• South Surrey Multi-Sports Hall, Surrey BC - in design

FOSTER ACTIVE COMMUNITIES AT EVERY SCALE

A s these sports halls offer recreation and sport programming for as little as 10 % the capital investment and 25 % the carbon investment of their comparable fully conditioned facilities, their appeal is obvious, and their emergence seems inevitable.

Sports halls import international building trends to Canada, while borrowing from the world of low cost, high durability industrial buildings. They feature a large span, open air, weather protected play area with partly open sides, which provides sufficient shelter but is not heated nor climatized. Typically covering, at minimum, an ice rink sized multi-sport surface, the sports hall is ostensibly designed to host organized sports such as lacrosse, hockey, pickleball, and basketball. Some are larger, covering sports fields for extended outdoor use. Amenity spaces in connected heated buildings are often conjoined to provide washrooms, change rooms, storage, and service spaces.

In British Columbia, sports halls feature unrestricted public access via their park settings which increases opportunities for low barrier access, visibility of sport, and an invitation to explore physical literacy. As a park amenity, the sports hall is an accessible space to try new activities and sports without the intimidation of joining organized leagues. Erasing physical and visual barriers transforms the inquisitive into the enthusiast.

UNEXPECTED POPULARITY

Located in the heart of Burnaby’s Confederation Park, the recently completed Sohen Gill Sports Hall is inviting and accessible, featuring white painted structure with translucent polycarbonate panel cladding to maximize the access to diffused natural light. The open structure also allows views out and through, emphasizing the impressive scenery, the safety of users, and drawing the attention of passersby.

The opening of Sohen Gill in particular has come with unexpectedly intense community interest and an accompanying variety of programming. City of Burnaby staff report this firsthand: “We knew that the multi-use covered sports box would be popular, but we were still really surprised by the amount of interest and the day-long use since opening. We’ve learned that the covered sports box offers accessible opportunities for local sport organizations to extend playing and training seasons. We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of interest from local softball, baseball and soccer sporting associations and the facility has also enabled local lacrosse and ball hockey associations to extend their seasons.”

As much of the time is allocated for public drop in use, participants have practiced unmonitored civic cooperation while they negotiate conflicting yet respectful multiple sport activities. “It has been a work in progress as we have established “priority” sport times and sharing rules amongst the various uses of the facility. We are now entering our fourth season and have developed clear guidelines that seem to be working.“

FOR SPORTS, RECREATION AND BEYOND

The covered courts also provide an unexpectedly popular venue for community events, markets, day camps, band practices, and cultural activities. Beyond recreation, the sports hall can be adapted to serve as a muster zone or emergency distribution centre during natural disasters, providing a resource for community resilience. In rainy Vancouver, the COVID-19 pandemic particularly highlighted within the region a lack of outdoor public spaces protected from the elements, be they for small safe gatherings or public health campaigns. These facilities prioritize natural ventilation and weather protection and are ideal for temporary and ad hoc use.

Sports halls are an emerging option for communities to explore and expand the possibilities of public recreation infrastructure beyond the limits of traditional recreation and community centres and to foster active participation in sport and recreation.

SMART COLOUR CODING

BASKETBALL COURT AT ANGER LEISURE PARK IN TEPLICE

Author: Ing. arch. Viktor Drobný

Photos: Ing. arch. Viktor Drobný

Basketball Club BK Teplice in cooperation with the City of Teplice was looking for a suitable place for its outdoor training activities. The motivation was to allow children and adults to regularly train outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air instead of indoors. The demand became urgent at the height of the covid pandemic, during the lockdown when group indoor activities were restricted or banned. The design team at SPORTOVNÍ PROJEKTY introduced graphic elements to allow training and matches under easy conditions.

After comparing three sites in the city, the Anger leisure park was selected for the project. Between 2004 and 2018, the area of the unused concrete swimming pool called Anger was transformed into a training area for the youth football club SK Junior Teplice. The surplus perimeter areas were designed to be used as a new leisure park, mainly including an in-line track, skatepark and playground. For the installation of the basketball court, the only vacant plot in the loop inside the in-line track of leisure park was selected.

The main requirement of the basketball club representatives was that the court is used as much as possible for training and competitive games for the children, with all the relevant indoor equipment, despite its outside location. An important condition for the design was to avoid carrying equipment to the playground every time from the distant basketball hall. The ideal would be to just come to the field with a ball and immediately practice individually or in a larger group.

OFFICIAL OPENING OCTOBER 2022

Location

Teplice, Czech Republic

Client / Operator

City of Teplice

Architects SPORTOVNÍ PROJEKTY s.r.o. (LTD), www.sportovniprojekty.cz

Cooperation: Ing. arch. Petr Šuma, Ing. arch. Martin Císař

costs

9.5 million (EUR 380,000)

Four adjustable lower height baskets for juniors were added to the court design for cross court play. For greater attractiveness, a distinctive graphic on the playing surface was included that divides the court into sectors for tracking individual player statistics like in a NBA computer game. The idea is that a player marks a point depending on the part of the court from which he scored the basket. The different zones are distinguished by colour. Individual shooting skills can be trained, the game can be changed according to the zones, or completely new training concepts can be invented. A couple of less distinctive graphic elements were added to the design to allow for various basketball skill training exercises on the court.

The area next to the court was adapted for circuit training of basketball skills – especially jumping, dribbling, accurate shooting, passing and overall fitness. A fence around the court helps to keep the ball away from the in-line skaters’ area, and to allow smooth basketball training without unnecessary interruptions on the court.

Several groups can exercise circle training on this sports field at the same time. All parts of the court are constructed in antivandal standard. The court is freely accessible to the public for the rest of the time outside of training sessions.

INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO LOW-ENERGY PERFORMANCE

LESSONS FROM RAVELIN SPORTS CENTRE

Authors: Irina Korneychuk & Mike Hall, FaulknerBrowns Architects, www.faulknerbrowns.com, with Mark Palmer, Max Fordham, www.maxfordham.com

Photos: Richard Chivers, Hufton+Crow

How can sports and leisure facilities achieve low-energy operation while ensuring financial sustainability? Drawing on two years of operational performance at the Ravelin Sports Centre, Irina Korneychuk, Mike Hall, and Mark Palmer explore the key factors behind the centre’s groundbreaking achievement: the first-ever BREEAM “Outstanding” certification for its type, paired with exceptional operational energy performance. They also pose an intriguing question: could there be a viable alternative to the Passivhaus concept for creating sustainable, high-performing facilities?

Rising operational costs have placed considerable pressure on the sports and leisure sector over the past few years. According to the latest ukactive survey, nearly a quarter (24%) of UK councils are at risk of losing their leisure facilities or may need to reduce services due to ongoing financial strain. The private sector has also felt the impact, with 12.5% of private operators surveyed having closed some – or all – of their sites since October 2023. This trend is mirrored across Europe, and combined with the global push towards decarbonisation, has created an urgent need to deliver financially sustainable, low-energy facilities.

Architects and engineers have long been tackling the challenge of creating low-energy sports and leisure facilities, yet the industry continues to face a substantial “performance gap” – the discrepancy between theoretical, predicted energy use and actual consumption. Although the Passivhaus standard for pools was developed in 2009 to address this issue, it has not gained widespread adoption due to its complexity and the substantial additional costs involved.

ALTERNATIVE TO PASSIVHAUS

The Ravelin Sports Centre, a collaborative project by the University of Portsmouth, FaulknerBrowns Architects, and Max Fordham, presents a promising alternative to Passivhaus in achieving low-energy performance. Instead of relying on Passivhaus certification, the Ravelin Sports Centre focused on reducing metered energy consumption through a collaborative Soft Landings process. This approach involved meticulously defining how to meet the project's specific requirements in the most energy-efficient way, rethinking comfort standards for physically active users and promoting a collaborative design process driving integrated design solutions. The Soft Landings process (supported by a robust procurement strategy), led the project to achieve results that exceeded targets, including a 90% energy saving compared to the benchmark, achieving an “A” rated Display Energy Efficiency Certificate and becoming the first of its type BREEAM “Outstanding” Certified Sports Centre.

Ravelin Sports Centre celebrated its second anniversary in September, and over the past two years the team has closely monitored performance, gathered user feedback, and worked with the operator to commission and fine-tune systems and operational strategies. The building's performance has surpassed expectations, offering valuable insights into achieving results previously deemed unat tainable.

Reflecting on the design and process, it is fair to say that the project didn’t employ any groundbreaking technology or adopt a previously unseen design strategy. Instead, it harnessed well-established best practices, honed through years of experience, with dedication, enthusiasm and ambition shared by everyone involved.

ENERGY BRIEF AND OPEN COLLABORATION

A key factor in the project’s success was the ambitious energy brief, developed by Max Fordham and wholeheartedly supported by the client. This brief set an energy-in-use target, requiring the facility to achieve the Display Energy Certificate rating of “A”, alongside the goal of attaining BREEAM “Outstanding” certification. The DEC “A” target kept the team focused on the real-world energy usage of the facility, while the BREEAM certification embedded a broad range of sustainability considerations into the project’s contractual framework. These goals – complemented by a requirement to deliver a no-fossil-fuel design – provided a clear set of values that united all parties involved.

The ambitious project needed a team that combined technical expertise with the courage to bring this at-the-time-unprecedented brief to life. The human element proved essential, fostering a collaborative environment where team members could freely share ideas, embrace challenges, and develop an integrated approach that blurred the boundaries between engineering and architecture. This spirit of teamwork and open collaboration was instrumental in pushing creative and technical boundaries to achieve the ambitious project goals.

SOFT LANDINGS PROCESS AND

PROCUREMENT STRATEGY

The soft landings process was also crucial; employing a thorough programme of stakeholder engagements to develop, test, and refine the project brief throughout various stages. This rigorous approach allowed the team to address challenges early on and tailor solutions to meet the operator’s unique needs. The collaborative framework of the soft landings process ensured that the project’s goals remained adaptable and responsive, ultimately enabling the team to create a facility that is low energy in operation, aligned with operational requirements and delivering the highest standard of user experience.

Another critical element was the procurement strategy, guided by a robust set of employer’s requirements that embedded energy targets and the mechanisms for achieving them into the contract. Continuity in design thinking and responsibility from the project’s conception through to commissioning was another vital consideration for delivering on the energy performance targets. The whole design team worked closely with the contractor and the supply chain to deliver the construction stage and installation drawings and was actively involved in commissioning to ensure continuity of the design ambition.

AFTERCARE PHASE WITH POST- OCCUPANCY EVALUATIONS

Finally, a two-year aftercare period allowed the team to support the operator through commissioning and training, resolving initial issues and making fine-tuned adjustments to ensure systems operated as intended. This extended aftercare phase was essential in validating that the targeted energy performance was achieved in practice. By addressing and refining operational details post-completion, the aftercare period ensured that the facility met – and even exceeded – its ambitious performance goals.

The aftercare phase, along with post-occupancy evaluations, has demonstrated the facility’s success through strong measured energy performance, positive visitor feedback, and high utilisation rates. These evaluations have also uncovered valuable insights into key performance indicators relationships, such as the link between increased utilisation and higher energy consumption needed to maintain air quality and temperature standards.

METRICS BASED ON ENERGY PER USER

The experiences from Ravelin Sports Centre raise an important question about how we measure energy efficiency in sports and leisure facilities. Traditional metrics, like energy per square metre, may not fully capture a facility’s efficiency, as they don’t account for the benefits of high utilisation. A metric based on energy per user could better reward buildings that are both operationally efficient and well-used by their communities, encouraging a more holistic approach to sustainability that aligns with social value, health and well-being, as well as environmental goals.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF PEFCRS FOR SYNTHETIC TURF SPORTS SURFACES

PRODUCT ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT CATEGORY RULES AS METHOD FOR LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT

Author: Prof. Alastair Cox, Technical Director at ESTC (EMEA Synthetic Turf Council)

Photos: ESTC

Now that the ESTC has completed its project on its latest standardised methodology, Prof. Alastair Cox reflects on the last four years of project work, external reviews and public consultations, allowing the PEFCRs for synthetic turf surfaces to be recognised by the European Commission and be published in knowledge hubs. Cox describes the project’s background and goals. He shares insights into its activities and steps, and the category rules, and looks ahead to the PEFCRs becoming a valuable tool that promotes sustainability by providing a standardised, reliable method for assessing and communicating the environmental impacts of synthetic turf surfaces.

Playing sports is good for individuals and good for society. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of major illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer and lower the risk of an early death by up to 30%. Participating in sport builds friendships and teaches valuable life skills. Overall, playing sports can significantly enhance physical health, mental well-being and social life. But, to play sport you need good facilities, and for many communities this is often challenging. Especially when demand is high, the climate hostile or financial resources limited. This is why synthetic turf surfaces have become the surface of choice for many who are responsible for providing sports facilities for the communities and clubs they serve.

Synthetic turf sports surfaces have been in use for over 50 years, the first synthetic turf field being laid in the Houston Astrodome in 1966. Since then, the surfaces have been embraced by the sports world due to their capacity for use for a variety of sports, including football, hockey, rugby, American football, baseball and tennis. Today, using the latest manufacturing techniques and highest-quality materials, synthetic turf provides a uniform playing surface, which can enhance performance and reduce the risk of injuries. The surfaces are designed to withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions and, unlike natural grass, there is no mowing, watering or fertilising, which helps reduce the environmental impact of the use phase of a surface.

Synthetic turf surfaces, are, however, made from plastics and rubbers and, as society becomes more aware about the threats these materials can cause to the environment, the synthetic turf industry, like all other parts of the plastics industry, is increasingly being challenged to minimise the impacts its products have, during production, operation and end-of-life disposal.

UNDERSTANDING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF PRODUCTS

Understanding the environmental impact a product has during its life is best achieved by undertaking a life-cycle assessment (LCA). An LCA is a systematic method used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product, process or service throughout its entire life. They provide a comprehensive view of the environmental impact from raw material extraction to disposal.

The are many different ways of undertaking an LCA, not all are compatible and some are open to greenwash when companies pick methods that favour their product or process, meaning the transparency consumers and markets desire cannot be assured. Recognising these limitations, the European Commission has developed the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method of LCA. PEF is intended to create a standardised methodology for assessing and communicating the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle. This helps ensure that environmental claims are based on comparable and scientifically robust data. Initially launched in 2014, the European Commission has been testing and refining the PEF concept during a series of development phases. Working closely with a variety of industry sectors, Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCRs) have been prepared and implemented. These PEFCRs are specific guidelines developed to standardise how the environmental performance of products within a particular category (or sector) is measured and communicated.

PEF are now increasingly being referred to in EU guidance and policy, and they are likely to be incorporated in future legally binding EU regulations, meaning their impact on all industries will grow over the next few years.

ESTC WORKING WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION

The EMEA Synthetic Turf Council (ESTC) is the trade association for the synthetic turf industry in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. It works in both the sports and landscaping sectors to serve, promote, develop, grow and advocate for the synthetic turf industry.

Recognising the move towards greater environmental transparency, ESTC reached out to the European Commission and applied for synthetic turf to be included in the Commission’s Stage 2 PEF Transition Phase. Our application was accepted and aided by the EU’s Life fund we have developed PEFCRs for synthetic turf surfaces. After four years hard work, external reviews and public consultations, our project is now complete, allowing the PEFCRs for synthetic turf surfaces to be recognised by the European Commission and be published (Knowledge Centre - Product Environmental

Footprint - ESTC - EMEA Synthetic Turf Council). Today, companies are starting to use our PEFCRs to assess and communicate the environmental impact of their products.

DEVELOPING THE CATEGORY RULES FOR SYNTHETIC TURF

The development of our PEFCRs for synthetic turf surfaces was undertaken in accordance with the protocols established by the European Commission. These include:

• Creating a Technical Secretariat to undertake the project. The membership of which had to ensure that the members accounted for over 50% of European production, also included at least one SME company, along with an independent non-governmental organisation.

• Appointing an external review panel that ensured that each stage of the development of the PEFCRs was undertaken in accordance with the European Commission’s rules. The conditions of membership of the review panel was again specified by the European Commission and ours included two LCA expert companies plus a representative of the FIFA Quality Programme.

• Testing the development of the draft PEFCRs by getting companies to undertake PEF studies and reviewing their feedback and results, allowing hotspots and weaknesses to be identified, helping to ensure that the draft rules were practical, accurate and applicable across the whole industry.

The ESTC Technical Secretariat comprised five synthetic turf manufacturers:

• FieldTurf Tarkett

• Juta Grass

• Polytan

• Sport and Leisure Group

• TenCate Grass

Our SME representative was ReMatch from a turf recycling company based in Denmark, and we were honoured that UEFA agreed to their join as our Non-Governmental Organisation.

THE SCOPE OF THE SYNTHETIC TURF PEFCRS

Our PEFCRs are split into two sub-categories, synthetic turf sports surfaces and synthetic turf landscape turfs. It covers all the various

components used in these surfaces (synthetic turf carpet, performance infills, stabilising infills and shockpads), but it does not include the bases on which they are laid. Some may wonder why; the reason being that a base used for synthetic turf surfaces should always be designed to cater for the local ground conditions, climate and intended use. No two bases are the same, the construction methods used differ region to region, and the manufacturers of the synthetic turf surfaces often have little or no input into their design and construction.

17 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT CATEGORIES

To provide the consistency and transparency the European Commission requires, all PEFCRs have to assess and report on sixteen key environmental impact categories. These include:

• Impacts on the planet (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions, impact on the ozone layer, the acidifying effects on ecosystems and soil)

• Impact on human health (e.g. toxicity, the effects of fine particles in the air, formation of ground-level ozone)

• Impact on natural resources (e.g. water use, land use, mineral and fossil fuel use)

Each of the sixteen categories has to be assessed at each stage of a product’s life cycle from raw material acquisition and pre-processing, through manufacturing, distribution, use and, finally, endof-life disposal.

Due to concerns about microplastics, ESTC were also asked to include a 17th category relating to the potential for synthetic turf surfaces and their polymeric infills to create microplastic pollution.

DATASETS

The PEFCRs allow companies to use two types of environmental data:

• Company-specific datasets, which are directly obtained from specific production facilities, and include all known inputs and

outputs of their processes, which are collected, measured or calculated using company-specific data and related emission factors.

• Generic datasets may also be used when company-specific data is not available, or for common activities across industry sectors (e.g. transportation, power generation). These generic datasets provide average data for similar processes or products and are often derived from databases or literature, and a major benefit of working with the European Commission was that our PEFCRs have access to their Environmental Datasets – Version EF 3.1.

THE ROLE OF REPRESENTATIVE PRODUCTS

Representative products played a crucial role in developing our PEFCRs. These products were selected to represent the average environmental impact of a product category, ensuring that the PEFCRs are applicable and relevant across the whole industry sector.

The European Commission provides two options for defining a representative product: a real product sold on the EU market or a virtual product, modelled on the average EU market share. Like most, we selected a virtual product, ours being based on a third-generation football turf.

UNDERSTANDING PEF DATA

The PEFCRs require all PEFs to report all the data for each of the impact categories for each of the life cycle stages; this is a lot of data that is hard for many to understand, so the rules also allow a PEF to focus on the most significant impact categories, and to also calculate a Single PEF Score. This Single PEF Score is a comprehensive measure that summarises the overall environmental impact of a product. The Single PEF Score is calculated as follows:

1. The PEF method evaluates the key environmental impact categories.

2. Each impact category is normalised and weighted, based on its relative importance. This process ensures that the different types of environmental impacts can be compared on a common scale.

3. The normalised and weighted scores for each impact category are then aggregated into a Single PEF Score. This single score is expressed as Environmental Footprint Points (EF points) and provides a straightforward way to understand and compare the overall environmental performance of different products. It is particularly useful for consumers and businesses as it simplifies complex environmental data into an easy-to-understand format, facilitating more informed decision-making and promoting sustainability.

PEFCRs also require companies to calculate PEF values for two phases:

• Cradle to Grave – all stages from raw material acquisition to end-of-life disposal

• Cradle to Gate – all stages from raw material acquisition to when the synthetic turf surface, infills and shockpad underlayers leave the factory gate.

For synthetic turf surfaces we consider “Cradle to Gate” to be the more appropriate value as it reflects the fact that transportation to site, installation, operation (maintenance) and end-of-life disposal is normally outside of the control of the company bringing the product to market; thus it gives a more realistic measure of what factors a manufacturer can influence.

SPECIALIST PEF SOFTWARE –A TOOL TO HELP INDUSTRY

Processing all the PEF data requires specialist software, so ESTC has commissioned PRé Sustainability, based in the Netherlands, to develop a specific tool for synthetic turf surfaces. Using their SimaPro LCA software platform, the tool provides a robust method for conducting PEF assessments.

The software is now commercially available from ESTC to all companies within the synthetic turf industry.

SUMMARY REPORTS (COMMUNICATION )

To assist consumers, our synthetic turf PEFCRs also specify how the PEF data should be reported and communicated, ensuring all companies do so in a similar way, allowing a direct comparison of data.

To ensure accuracy, the European Commission requires that these PEF reports are independently verified to ensure the data present-

ed is accurate and reliable. This builds trust among consumers, stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

WHAT NEXT?

With the positive support of FIFA (International Federation of Association Football), UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) and FIH (International Hockey Federation), ESTC believes Product Environmental Footprinting will quickly become a valuable tool that promotes sustainability by providing a standardised, reliable method for assessing and communicating the environmental impacts of synthetic turf surfaces.

Manufacturers are now starting to use the PEF software tool and are undertaking their first PEF analysis. Initially this will be a time-consuming process, so companies will need a few months to collect, analyse, report and verify their data. ESTC suggests that architects and sports field consultants should start to ask for PEF reports in bid documents from Spring 2025. Once available this will allow them to consider the environmental impact of products alongside their sports performance, durability and cost.

ESTC believes that this transparency and comparability will help consumers make informed choices and encourage industry to adopt greener practices. This will foster a more sustainable market, driving innovation and reducing the overall environmental footprint of synthetic turf surfaces.

MELBOURNE - SPORTFIX CLEAN RETAINS MICROPLASTICS

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY DRAINAGE AT MAJOR SPORTS FACILITY

Author: HAURATON GmbH & Co. KG, www.hauraton.com

Photos: HAURATON

The award-winning Sportfix Clean filter channel system from Hauraton is being used in the south-east of the Australian metropolis of Melbourne. At the impressive IYU Recreation Reserve sports facility in Pakenham, the city is demonstrating a high level of environmental responsibility by using Sportfix Clean. Abrasion, pollutants and other micro-particles from artificial turf pitches are collected and retained.

A comprehensive drainage solution with a high-performance filter system is essential, especially for a facility as versatile and extensive as the IYU Recreation Reserve. The area is the largest and most prestigious sports and football facility in the Cardinia Shire metropolitan district and has a synthetic athletics track - a 400-metre running track with a ten-lane straight, the islands for long jump/triple jump, pole vault, high jump, javelin throw, shot put, hammer/discus and steeplechase. The site has also included several ball fields and playing fields since 2017: a senior football pitch, an all-weather synthetic football pitch, a playground and a basketball half-court.

CHALLENGE AND SOLUTION

Compliance with global athletics standards was the top priority for the project developers: rainwater run-off must be drained away from the running track and collected very quickly and efficiently. To achieve this, it was important to provide a product that would function reliably throughout its service life and withstand the extreme heat and sun of Australia.

Hauraton's Sportfix channels were identified as the solution. They comply with global athletics standards and therefore

offer athletes optimum safety. They are made from 96 per cent recycled material and provide a sustainable drainage solution. The Sportfix slotted channels are largely covered by the running track surface. Only narrow inlet slots remain visible on the surface.

The current discussion about microplastic pollution caused by the discharge of particles from synthetic turf surfaces played a major role in the decision. The channel filter, the Sportfix Clean channel from Hauraton, stands for environmentally friendly surface drainage. It quickly drains accumulating water from the sports pitch and at the same time retains the discharge of microplastic particles and pollutants. The purified water can then be used for irrigation or seeped away on site and returned to the natural water cycle. The filter solution was brought to market by Hauraton after years of research and development work and was honoured with the Baden-Württemberg Environmental Technology Award in 2019.

A BREAKTHROUGH IN SUSTAINABLE POOL TECHNOLOGY DEBUTED AT PARIS 2024

MYRTHA POOLS INTRODUCES R- EVOLUTION SUSTAINABLE MEMBRANE

Author: Myrtha Pools, www.myrthapools.com

Photo: Charles Flautre

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been a real accelerator of innovation, especially in terms of new products and their sustainability. Always at the forefront of cutting-edge products, Myrtha Pools, while being at the centre of the aquatic events, tested and brought a real revolution, or rather an R-Evolution, to Paris.

Designed to redefine environmental responsibility in the swimming pool industry, R-Evolution is a membrane made from 60% recycled materials and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life. This innovative development has made the Paris 2024 Games a powerful showcase for sustainability, and underlines Myrtha Pools' commitment to the principles of circular economy.

R-Evolution represents a significant step forward in reducing waste and reusing resources in pool construction. In addition to its high recycled content, the R-Evolution membrane is designed with a unique multi-layer structure that sets it apart from standard pool products. Available in two colours, white and light blue, it also provides elegant aesthetics and ensures proper visibility for the safety of even large public pools.

RecyClass certification, a traceability mark for recycled plastic, adds a further level of credibility to the product, ensuring that it meets stringent standards for material reuse. This certification not only guarantees that R-Evolution's materials come from sustainable sources, but also validates its journey as a product designed for a “second life”.

THE LEGACY OF PARIS 2024

The two Myrtha pools installed inside the Paris La Défense Arena were the first competition pools to be equipped with the R-Evolution membrane, making them a historic milestone for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and a decisive step towards sustainability and the circular economy. In an industry where PVC has historically been difficult to recycle, R-Evolution represents a breakthrough and sets new standards in material use and waste reduction.

BEYOND INNOVATION: A COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Roberto Colletto, CEO of Myrtha Pools, emphasises that R-Evolution is more than a technological advancement: it embodies a core corporate value, social and environmental impact: "We want to improve products and technology, but we also want to work on the company's overall impact on society”.

With R-Evolution, Myrtha Pools has responded to the global demand for sustainable solutions by pioneering a process that turns waste into resources, limits environmental impact and sets a benchmark for future developments in pool technology.

MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE FOR SPORTS POOLS: THE NEW 4.2014

UNRIVALLED 31,470 LUMENS DISTRIBUTED OVER 48 HIGH - POWER- LEDS OPEN UP NEW DIMENSIONS

Author: Benjamin Pfendt, WIBRE, www.wibre.de

Photo: Bremer Bäder GmbH; WIBRE

Underwater lighting in sports and competition pools is crucial for safety in the water. With an output of over 31,000 lumens, this powerful lighting system ensures brilliant illumination of the pool. The light characteristics specially developed for swimming pools combine wide and deep rays, so that the light reaches exactly where it is needed. At the same time, glare from the pool edge is minimized.

THREE COLOUR VARIANTS

Choose from three white colours to create the perfect synergy for any pool surface: Cool White (6,500K), Neutral White (4,000K) or Warm White (3,000K). Regardless of the colour temperature selected, each variant delivers over 30,000 lumens for brilliant illumination.

FOR RETROFITS AND NEW INSTALLATIONS

This lighting system is designed for two applications. Firstly, it is perfect for retrofit installations, where it replaces conventional halogen floodlights in WIBRE installation housings or other third-party products. In combination with a stainless steel installation housing, it is also ideal for new installations in pools with rear access.

INNOVATIONS FOR MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY

The well thought-out design impresses with several innovations: The heat is actively channelled via a pipe to the heat sinks on the rear section to ensure optimum heat dissipation. The power supply unit is already pre-assembled and additional optional PWM dimming enables flexible control options.

HEAVY! OUTDOOR FITNESS EQUIPMENT WITH POWER

Author: FREISPORT (a RESORTI-group brand)

Photos: FREISPORT

Freisport goes one better with the new HEAVY INOX outdoor strength equipment series. While classic outdoor fitness equipment often only offers a very low weight resistance, this strength equipment series allows a training weight of up to 125 kg to be set. This also offers advanced strength athletes the opportunity to pursue their training in a goal-orientated manner. Thanks to the adjustable weight plates, the weight can be gradually increased in 5 kg increments from beginner to professional.

EXERCISING IN THE FRESH AIR

The HEAVY INOX series is ideally suited as an addition to outdoor fitness parks, especially in combination with calisthenics facilities in public spaces. This makes it possible to train in the fresh air and in the sun instead of in a closed fitness centre, which brings many like-minded sports-oriented people together in one place.

HOLISTIC WORKOUT - FROM BEGINNERS TO PROFESSIONALS

T he series is designed in such a way that all the equipment together achieves an ideal training effect for all muscle groups.

Thanks to the adjustable weight plates, the weight can be gradually increased in 5 kg increments from beginner to professional. The equipment can be used by people aged 14 and over and with a minimum body height of 140 cm. Weatherproof training instructions are attached to each piece of equipment to ensure that training is carried out correctly.

HIGHEST STANDARDS

All equipment is certified to the EN 16630 standard and can therefore be used in publicly accessible fitness parks. As it is firmly anchored to the ground and made of stainless steel, the outdoor strength equipment is vandal-proof and theft-proof.

40 NEW OCR MODULES

PLAYPARC, a leader in trendsport equipment, expands its offerings with a new line of obstacle course racing (OCR) products, providing virtually limitless options for designing dynamic outdoor courses. This exciting and demanding sport challenges participants to conquer a variety of obstacles while testing their endurance, strength, and agility. OCR courses combine climbing, jumping, and balance elements that simulate real-world challenges, making them perfect for full-body training and competitive events.

The new "OCR 2025" range includes over 40 modular components, allowing for the creation of customized courses suitable for all skill levels and target groups. Alternatively, PLAYPARC offers six pre-configured course layouts that cater to specific training objectives. These ready-to-use solutions are ideal for sports clubs, schools, and recreational facilities, appealing to a broad audience. For instance, the compact "FAST TRACK" (22.5 x 7.5 meters) delivers high-intensity workouts featuring obstacles such as monkey bars, gap jumps, and a climbing rope with a top bell. A built-in "stopwatch" module makes it easy to time competitive events.

Committed to top-tier quality and safety, PLAYPARC's OCR modules and courses are manufactured in Germany to meet the highest safety standards (DIN/TÜV). With OCR 2025, PLAYPARC brings fun and fitness to the great outdoors – an ideal choice for those seeking a challenging, rewarding sporting experience.

PLAYPARC GmbH

www.playparc.de

RETRACTABLE TUNNELS

The TatamSport model tunnels are perfectly designed to meet all possible requirements. They can be adapted to any dimensions, colours and shapes to offer the maximum possible versatility. Their aluminium structure makes them light yet sturdy, and the canvas panels are M2 flame-retardant PVC.

The advantage these tunnels have in being retractable is that, when not in use, they can be folded up and stored in any small space.

We manufacture a wide variety of models depending on their location and intended use.

Since 1996, we have been supplying our guaranteed quality products to countless sports facilities, in turn expanding continuously in the international market and developing into a reference in the domestic market.

With virtually no maintenance required, the quality and guarantee of our tunnels speak for themselves.

TatamSport www.tatamsport.com

Photo: TatamSport

Photo: Playparc

COMPANY INDEX FROM A TO Z

IAKS member companies go one step ahead with „Professionals & Profiles“. And position themselves prominently – in print and online. Report on your innovations and references in sb magazine and the IAKS newsletter and on our website. It goes without saying that your architect or supplier logo appears in every issue – and is sure to catch the eye of your business partners.

ACO GmbH 24782 Büdelsdorf, Germany tief-galabau@aco.com www.aco-sport.de

» Drainage systems

» Sports ground construction

» Sports ground equipment

ANRIN GmbH 59609 Anröchte, Germany info@anrin.com www.anrin.com

» Drainage systems

» Sports ground construction

» Sports ground equipment

ASPG Deutschland GmbH 40221 Düsseldorf, Germany info@D-aspg.de www.D-aspg.de

» Elastic layers; protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Sports ground construction

AGROB BUCHTAL

Deutsche Steinzeug Keramik GmbH 92521 Schwarzenfeld, Germany agrob-buchtal@deutsche-steinzeug.de www.agrob-buchtal.de

» Aquatic construction

» Pool construction; ceramics

Sekisui Alveo AG 6043 Adligenswil, Switzerland info@alveosport.com www.alveosport.com

» Artifical turf

» Elastic layers; protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

Arbeitskreis Trennvorhänge e.V. 42327 Wuppertal, Germany info@arbeitskreis-trennvorhaenge.de www.arbeitskreis-trennvorhaenge.de

» Indoor equipment

» Sports hall dividers

AST Eissport und Solaranlagenbau GmbH 87629 Füssen, Germany hannes.schretter@ast.at www.ast.at

» Aquatic equipment

» Ice hockey boards

» Ice resurfacers

» Ice rink construction

» Ice sports equipment

ASB GlassFloor Systembau Horst Babinsky GmbH 83371 Stein, Germany info@asbglassfloor.com www.asbglassfloor.com

» Indoor sports floorings

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Multi-sport courts

Avant Sports Industrial Co.,Ltd 518108 Shenzhen, China sales@avant.com.cn www.avantseating.com

» Artificial turf

» Multi-sport courts

» Stands, seating

Bänfer GmbH Sportmanufaktur 34537 Bad Wildungen, Germany info@baenfer.de www.baenfer.de

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor equipment

» Mobile floorings; cover systems

» Temporary and modular constructions

BLOACS 50935 Cologne, Germany info@bloacs.de www.bloacs.de

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor equipment

» Sports ground equipment

» Playground equipment

Conica AG 8207 Schaffhausen, Switzerland info@conica.com www.conica.com

» Indoor sports floorings

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

eccos pro gmbh 42553 Velbert, Germany info@eccos-pro.com www.eccos-pro.com

» Aquatic equipment

» Changing rooms and equipment

» Fitness equipment

» Ice sports equipment

» Ticketing, access systems

Gotthilf Benz Turngerätefabrik GmbH+Co KG 71364 Winnenden, Germany info@benz-sport.de www.benz-sport.de

» Aquatic equipment

» Fitness equipment

» Indoor equipment

» Outdoor equipment

» Sports ground equipment

Brinkmann + Deppen

Architekten / Landschaftsarchitekten 48336 Sassenberg, Germany info@brinkmann-deppen.de www.brinkmann-deppen.de

» Architecture and design

» Landscape design

CustomBars GmbH 26723 Emden, Germany info@custombars.de www.custombars.de

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Fitness equipment

» Outdoor equipment

» Multi-sport courts

» Playground equipment

ENGO GmbH Srl 39040 Vahrn (BZ), Italy info@engo-ice.com www.engo-ice.com

» Ice hockey boards

» Ice rink construction

» Ice resurfacers

» Ice sports equipment

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

BERNDORF

Metall- und Bäderbau GmbH 2560 Berndorf, Austria office@berndorf-baederbau.com www.berndorf-baederbau.com

» Aquatic construction

» Aquatic equipment

» Pool construction, stainless steel

Carl Stahl ARC GmbH 73079 Süßen, Germany xtend@carlstahl-arc.com www.carlstahl-architektur.com

» Facades and building envelopes

» Perimeter boards, nettings

» Playground equipment

» Security systems, fencing

» Sports ground equipment

DSGN CONCEPTS GmbH 48145 Münster, Germany info@dsgn-concepts.de www.dsgn-concepts.de

» Landscape design

Eurotramp-Trampoline Kurt Hack GmbH 73235 Weilheim / Teck, Germany eurotramp@eurotramp.com www.eurotramp.com

» Aquatic equipment

» Indoor equipment

» Playground equipment

» Sports ground equipment

GANTNER

Electronic GmbH Deutschland 44894 Bochum, Germany info-de@gantner.com www.gantner.com

» Aquatic equipment

» Changing rooms and equipment

» Fitness equipment

» Indoor equipment

» Ticketing, access systems

geo3 GmbH

47551 Bedburg-Hau, Germany kontakt@geo3.de www.geo3.de

» Architecture and design

» Landscape design

» Feasibility studies

GEZOLAN AG 6252 Dagmersellen, Switzerland customer-service@gezolan.com www.gezolan.com

» Artificial turf

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

Hamberger Flooring GmbH & Co. KG 83071 Stephanskirchen, Germany info@haro-sports.com www.haro-sports.com

» Indoor sports floorings

» Protecting surfaces

» Mobile floorings

» Cover systems

Gerflor Mipolam GmbH 53824 Troisdorf, Germany gerflormipolam@gerflor.com www.gerflor.de

» Indoor sports floorings

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

GfKK – Gesellschaft für Kältetechnik- Klimatechnik mbH 50859 Köln, Germany info@gfkk.de www.gfkk.de

» Ice rink construction

» Ice sports equipment

» Sanitary, heating, air conditioning, energy recovery

Gütegemeinschaft Sportgeräte 53113 Bonn, Germany info@sichere-sporthalle.de www.sichere-sporthalle.de

» Indoor equipment

» Sports ground equipment

» Testing, quality assurance

Hauraton GmbH & Co. KG 76437 Rastatt, Germany info@hauraton.com www.hauraton.com

» Drainage systems

» Sports ground construction

heiler GmbH & Co. KG 33649 Bielefeld, Germany info@heiler-sport.de www.heiler-sport.de

» Artificial turf

» Cleaning and maintenance

» Hybrid turf

» Natural turf

» Sports ground construction

Herculan BV 4231 DJ Meerkerk, Netherlands info@herculan.com www.herculan.com

» Indoor sports floorings

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

HET Elastomertechnik 65203 Wiesbaden, Germany info@het-group.com www.het-group.com

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Fitness equipment

» Playground equipment

» Outdoor sports floorings

Intercom Dr. Leitner 39040 Freienfeld, Italien intercom@leitner.it www.realice.info

» Ice hockey boards

» Ice rink construction

» Ice resurfacers

INTERGREEN AG 60433 Frankfurt, Germany info@intergreen.de www.intergreen.de

» Artificial turf

» Cleaning and maintenance

» Hybrid turf

» Natural turf

» Sports ground construction

ISS GmbH 63263 Neu-Isenburg, Germany info@iss4u.de www.iss4u.de

» Aquatic equipment

» Ice hockey boards

» Ice rink construction

» Ice resurfacers

» Ice sports equipment

JUNCKERS INDUSTRIER A/S 4600 Køge, Denmark info-exp@junckers.com www.junckers.com

» Indoor sports floorings

» Multi-sport courts

» Sports hall construction

» Stadium and arena construction

» Temporary and modular constructions

IST – Institut für Sportbodentechnik 04416 Markkleeberg, Germany mario-kunze@gmx.net www.sportboden-leipzig.de

» Testing, quality assurance

KDF - Kataskeves Dapedon Ltd. 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece exports@kdf.gr www.kdf.gr

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

ISP GmbH 48167 Münster, Germany info@isp-germany.com www.isp-germany.com

» Testing, quality assurance

Jakob Rope Systems 3555 Trubschachen, Switzerland info@jakob.com www.jakob.com

» Facades and building envelopes

» Security systems, fencing

» Perimeter boards and nettings

» Play- and sports ground equipment

Kernig Consulting GmbH 48155 Münster, Deutschland info@andreaskernig.de www.kernig-consulting.de

» Consulting

» Fitness centres

» Pools and aquatic facilities

» Architecture & design

KRAIBURG Relastec GmbH & Co. KG 29410 Salzwedel, Germany sportec@kraiburg-relastec.com www.kraiburg-relastec.com/sportec

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Playground equipment

Hermann Kutter LandschaftsbauSportplatzbau GmbH & Co. KG 87700 Memmingen, Germany info@kutter-galabau.de www.kutter-galabau.de

» Artificial turf

» Cleaning and maintenance

» Hybrid turf

» Natural turf

» Sports ground construction

Herbert Labarre GmbH & Co. KG 22337 Hamburg, Germany info@labarre-galabau.de www.labarre-galabau.de

» Artificial turf

» Cleaning and maintenance

» Hybrid turf

» Natural turf

» Sports ground construction

Labor Lehmacher | Schneider GmbH & Co. KG 49076 Osnabrück, Germany info@labor-lehmacher.de www.l-l-s.de

» Testing, quality assurance

Landskate GmbH 50823 Köln, Germany info@lndskt.de www.lndskt.de

» Landscape design

M3 Architectes 2737 Luxembourg, Luxembourg mail@m3archi.lu www.m3archi.lu

» Architecture and design

Felicia Astuni, Marketing astuni@iaks.sport We‘re here to help:

Max Rosenau, Marketing rosenau@iaks.sport

LAUSIN Y VICENTE S.L. 50420 Cadrete, Spain export@lausinyvicente.com www.lausinyvicente.com

» Indoor equipment

» Playground equipment

» Sports ground equipment

» Sports hall dividers

» Stadium and arena equipment

maier landschaftsarchitektur / Betonlandschaften 51107 Köln, Germany

info@maierlandschaftsarchitektur.de www.maierlandschaftsarchitektur.de

» Landscape design

LIKE-ICE Science GmbH 84069 Schierling, Germany info@like-ice.com www.like-ice.com

» Ice hockey boards

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Outdoor sports floorings

McArena GmbH

71522 Backnang, Germany info@mcarena.de www.mcarena.de

» Multi-sport courts

» Sports hall construction

» Turnkey construction

Melos GmbH

49324 Melle, Germany info@melos-gmbh.com www.melos-gmbh.com

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

Pellikaan Bauunternehmen Deutschland GmbH 40880 Ratingen, Germany info@pellikaan.de www.pellikaan.de

» Aquatic construction

» Aquatic equipment

» Sports hall construction

» Turnkey construction

MYRTHA POOLS

A&T Europe SPA 46043 Castiglione d/Stiviere (MN), Italy info@myrthapools.com www.myrthapools.com

» Aquatic construction

» Pool construction, other systems

» Pool construction, stainless steel

PERROT-Regnerbau Calw GmbH 75382 Althengstett, Germany perrot@perrot.de www.perrot.de

» Irrigation systems

NUSSLI Group 8536 Hüttwilen, Switzerland information@nussli.com www.nussli.com

» Sports hall construction

» Stadium and arena construction

» Stands, seating

» Temporary and modular constructions

» Turnkey construction

Play-Parc

Allwetter-Freizeitanlagenbau GmbH 33014 Bad Driburg, Germany info@playparc.de www.playparc.de

» Fitness equipment

» Indoor equipment

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor equipment

» Sports ground equipment Polytan GmbH 86666 Burgheim, Germany info@polytan.com www.polytan.de

» Artificial turf

» Cleaning and maintenance

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

PS+ Planung von Sportstätten 49078 Osnabrück, Germany info@ps-planung.de www.ps-planung.de

» Architecture and design

» Landscape design

VIACOR Polymer GmbH 72108 Rottenburg a. N., Germany info@viacor.de www.viacor.de

» Artificial turf

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

Sika Nederland B.V. (Pulastic sports flooring) 7400 AK Deventer, Netherlands export@nl.sika.com www.pulastic.com

» Ceilings, windows, walls

» Indoor sports floorings

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

Schmitz Foam Products BV 6040 KG Roermond, Netherlands sales@schmitzfoam.com www.schmitzfoam.com

» Artifical turf

» Elastic layers; protecting surfaces

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

Rasenplan GmbH 4125 Riehen, Switzerland info@rasenplan.com www.rasenplan.com

» Architecture and design

» Landscape design

» Consulting

» Project management

» Feasibility studies

REGUPOL Germany GmbH & Co. KG 57319 Bad Berleburg, Germany info@regupol.de www.regupol.com

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Playground equipment

Signgrass® NIK-Tufting BV 5571 TJ Bergeijk, Netherlands info@signgrass.com www.signgrass.com

» Artifical turf

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground construction

» Sports ground equipment

SMG Sportplatzmaschinenbau GmbH 89269 Vöhringen, Germany info@smg-machines.com www.smg-machines.com

» Cleaning and maintenance

» Sports ground construction

» Sports ground equipment

STARGUM Stankiewicz Sp.j. 73-110 Stargard, Poland sales@stargum.pl www.stargum.pl

» Artificial turf

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

RICHTER Sportstättenkonzepte GmbH 07629 Hermsdorf, Germany info@sportstaettenkonzepte.de www.sportstaettenkonzepte.de

» Architecture and design » Landscape design

Siteco Beleuchtungstechnik GmbH 83301 Traunreut, Germany info@siteco.de www.siteco.de

» Lighting systems

Robbins Sports Surfaces OH 45226 Cincinnati, USA info@robbinsfloor.com www.robbinsfloor.com

» Indoor sports floorings

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Multi-sport courts

SMC2 S.A.S. 69440 Mornant, France contact@smc2-construction.com www.smc2-construction.com

» Ceilings, windows, walls

» Facades and building envelopes

» Fixed and retractable roofing systems

» Temporary and modular constructions

» Turnkey construction

Holz-Speckmann GmbH & Co. KG 33790 Halle/ Westfalen, Germany info@speed-lock.com www.speed-lock.com

» Indoor sports floorings

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

STOCKMEIER URETHANES GmbH & Co.KG 32657 Lemgo, Germany urethanes.ger@stockmeier.com www.stockmeier-urethanes.de

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor sports floorings

» Outdoor sports floorings

Spieth Gymnastics GmbH 73776 Altbach, Germany info@spieth-gymnastics.com www.spieth-gymnastics.com

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Indoor equipment

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Sports ground equipment

Tatamsport 50014 Zaragoza, Spain tatamsport@toldosserrano.com www.tatamsport.com

» Indoor equipment

» Sports hall dividers

Trenomat GmbH & Co. KG 42327 Wuppertal, Germany info@trenomat.de www.trenomat.de

» Indoor equipment

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Perimeter boards, nettings

» Sports hall dividers

Universal Sport Sportgeräteherstellungs- und Vertriebs GmbH 71101 Schönaich, Germany info@universal-sport.com www.universal-sport.com

» Ice sports equipment

» Indoor equipment

» Mobile floorings, cover systems

» Perimeter boards, nettings

» Sports ground equipment

WM technics GmbH 39053 Blumau, Italy info@wm-technics.com www.wm-on-ice.com

» Ice resurfacers

Troldtekt A/S

8310 Tranbjerg J., Denmark info@troldtekt.com www.troldtekt.com

» Ceilings, windows, walls

TURNBAR by Eiden & Wagner 54634 Bitburg, Germany info@turnbar.net www.turnbar.net

» Fitness equipment

» Indoor equipment

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor equipment

» Sports ground equipment

Vindico Sport GmbH 73463 Westhausen, Germany info@vindico-sport.de www.vindico-sport.com

» Outdoor equipment

» Multi-sport courts

» Stadium and arena equipment

» Sports ground construction

ZELLER bäderbau GmbH 89520 Heidenheim, Germany info@zeller-baederbau.com www.zeller-baederbau.com

» Aquatic construction

» Aquatic equipment

» Pool construction, stainless steel

Hans-Joachim Weitzel GmbH & Co. KG 25436 Tornesch, Germany schult@hjweitzel.de www.hjweitzel.de

» Artificial turf

» Elastic layers, protecting surfaces

» Multi-sport courts

» Outdoor sports floorings

» Sports ground equipment Your product and company information on a half page, newsletter feature, plus your logo in the company index –for just EUR 870 per year.

» Sports ground construction

Züko Deutschland GmbH 78176 Blumberg, Germany deutschland@zueko.com www.zueko.com

» Changing rooms and equipment

» Ice hockey boards

» Ice resurfacers

» Ice rink construction

» Ice sports equipment

sb 6/2024

International magazine for sports, leisure and recreational facilities

EDITORIAL BOARD AND PUBLISHER

IAKS

International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities

Eupener Straße 70 50933 Cologne, Germany

Phone +49 (0) 221 16 80 23-0 sb@iaks.sport www.iaks.sport

SECRETARY GENERAL WITH OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

Klaus Meinel meinel@iaks.sport

MARKETING

Maximilian Rosenau rosenau@iaks.sport +49(0)221 168023-13

GRAPHIC DESIGN

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE 2025

65 EUR Germany

85 EUR Other countries

15 EUR Single issue

ISSN ( PRINT ): 0036-102X

ISSN ( INTERNET ): ISSN 2198-4271

Jurisdiction and place of performance: Cologne, Germany

For advertisement prices, see 2024 Media Data.

TRANSLATION/EDITORIAL REPORT

Tim Chafer, ExperTeam

Otto-Hahn-Str. 57, 40591 Düsseldorf, Germany

Euro-Sprachendienst Jellen

Rheinaustr. 125, 53225 Bonn, Germany www.euro-sprachendienst.de

PRINT

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The publisher has unlimited rights to work accepted for printing. Reprint or duplication, even of extracts, is only permitted with the publisher‘s written consent.

Victoria Page page@iaks.sport +49(0)221 168023-12

EDITORIAL BOARD

Silke Bardenheuer bardenheuer@iaks.sport +49(0)221 168023-11

MARKETING

Felicia Astuni astuni@iaks.sport +49(0)221 168023-15

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Alexia Chrissanthopoulou chrissanthopoulou@iaks.sport +49(0)221 168023-14

UPCOMING ISSUE

SPORTS HALLS AND ARENAS

Date of publication: 28.02.2025

Photo: Scott Burrows

“sb“ showcases exemplary architecture, spectrum of innovations, products and services from the leisure centre, sports facility, swimming pool and wellness, stadiums and arenas sector

Six issues per year, each having a specific focus.

EDITORIAL PROGRAMME

1/2025 SPORTS HALLS AND ARENAS

2/2025 STADIA AND SPORTS GROUNDS

2025

3/2025 AQUATIC AND WELLNESS FACILITIES

4/2025 ACTIVATING URBAN SPACES

5/2025 IOC IAKS ARCHITECTURE PRIZE

6/2025 ACTIVE COMMUNITIES

“sb” is the world’s foremost magazine for exemplary architecture, innovations, products and services from the fields of leisure centres, sports facilities, swimming pools and wellness, stadiums and arenas.