The new sports centre, La Taule, designed by the architectural firm Microclimat, embodies the vision of a former Olympic athlete and participates in the revitalization of Waterloo, in the Eastern Townships, Canada.
In order to create a sports centre that invites people to excel, Microclimat imagined a large open space on two levels that allows all the services and facilities for body-builders, gymnasts and fitness enthusiasts to be united under one roof. The combination of red cedar, cherry wood and steel helps create a warm and inviting space that lends itself to the members’ sense of belonging.
Every element of the project was conceived for those who use the centre: from the mezzanine’s structure that supports the horizontal bars, to the wide stairway that can also be used for training, and the roof where the gymnasts’ rings are attached, allowing athletes to hang 7,5 meters in the air.
The compact form of the new building reduces the size of the foundations and of the outside walls, freeing up a large part of the property and creating an outdoor training zone. In summer, large sliding glass doors can link the indoor and outdoor activities.
all images © Adrien Williams