athletics club facilities in Líbeznice

Three Caps

The design for the (new) old facilities of the Líbeznice Athletics Club seeks to answer the question of what sustainability looks like when the concept escapes the realm of abstract hyperobjects and is applied to a very specific, complex and real place. This becomes the organising principle of the entire proposal — in terms of the terrain, orientation and existing qualities of the site, as well as the pragmatic question of what to do with the existing storage building. Its thorough analysis takes the building apart “down to the screws”, catalogues its elements and subsequently shifts the focus to what remains — the original footprint, existing trees, terrain morphology, orientation towards the cardinal directions and its relationship to the athletics track.

A connected trio of buildings makes use of both existing structural elements and the given conditions of the site. The changing rooms provide accessible facilities for athletes and a backdrop to the spectator stands. The clubhouse benefits from its relationship with the changing rooms and defines the space around the existing trees. The storage building uses the terrain to increase its storage capacity without creating an excessive visual landmark.

Through the relationships between these functions, each occupying its own volume, a building with a distinctive character emerges. Yet thanks to its simple architectural expression, it will be able to accommodate the future layers that its users — the athletes themselves — will bring to the place.