Haller Gut Architekten

Description

Existing building

In the early 1970s, a standard hall was developed for the Swiss army and was subsequently built in large numbers all over the country. The simple construction is characterised by the tapered external steel frame of the structure. After 40 years of intense use, the hall in Payerne was urgently in need of renovation and exhibited significant technical as well as static weaknesses.

 

Tapered steel structure

On the original building, the steel structure was only visible on the external façade and was completely covered inside. In order to retain the reiterative construction and make it visible, the construction is now arrayed on the warm side. This exposes the tapered steel structure in the interior and gives the hall its filigree appearance.

 

Expression and materials

Conceived as a thin, paper-like skin, the façade was made by hand on site from titanium zinc alloy sheet metal by the tinsmith. Precisely joined and highly detailed, it now wraps around the existing steel construction whose upper section angles outwards. The simple, robust and haptic materials of three-ply panels and painted steel combined with the dark floor of the sports hall define the atmosphere of the space. The two bands of windows on the longitudinal sides, which were enlarged during the renovation, allow plenty of daylight to enter the building. All installations have been executed in white, have been carefully positioned and have been re-developed where necessary.