Laxou’s new sports centre is part of an overall urban redevelopment project involving the renovation and extension of an existing gymnasium. It is located on a site with a distinctive topography, and contributes to an urban transition in both time and space. The project emerges from the ground to the south, and in contrast blends into the slope to the north. Laxou’s new sports facility takes advantage of the site’s unique topography to compose harmoniously with the urban context both near and far, offering a variety of entry points, situations and views.

The project’s solid mineral base showcases the emerging zinc buildings, which in turn reflect the facility’s reach on the urban scale. The hall is intended to be a continuation of the public vegetated forecourt, guiding users to the heart of the project. The space is generously open on the different sport areas and the multi-purpose room. It is punctuated by various architectural features: patios, high ceilings, dilation of volumes, etc. Around this central space, the project is organised in such a way as to encourage interaction between users while allowing the separation of flows and the expression of each individual, from the youngest to the oldest, from leisure to competition.

Wooden frameworks cover the sports areas and the multi-purpose room and contribute to the atmosphere of these spaces. Through strategic constructive choices, on both methods and materials, the project combines robustness and durability with environmental resilience. The project’s volume, its overhanging roofs and high ceilings allow for controlled and intelligent thermal management.