Multipurpose Gymnasium’s facade integrates with the woodland
Located near the Melezza River in Terre di Pedemonte, Tissin, Switzerland, the Multipurpose Gymnasium by Demattè Fontana Architekt:innen integrates landscape and structural design within a forested setting. The surrounding woodland defines the building’s primary facade, acting as a natural backdrop and a filter for daylight throughout the year. This interplay between architecture and landscape controls solar exposure and contributes to the spatial depth of the gymnasium’s interior.
The building is organized around a square floor plan measuring 30 meters on each side. Its structural composition combines a reinforced concrete basement with a steel superstructure above ground level. The roof system, designed to appear lightweight and slender, is based on a lattice of beams aligned parallel to the facades and spaced at five-meter intervals. This structural grid was divided into 36 segments, with joints positioned midway between lattice nodes. The modular configuration guided the static calculations, detailing, fabrication, and assembly processes for the entire building.
all images by Federico Farinatti
Demattè Fontana combines reinforced concrete with steel
The gymnasium developed by Demattè Fontana Architekt:innen Studio serves multiple functions beyond sports activities. The basement level accommodates supporting facilities, including changing rooms, multipurpose spaces, archives, storage rooms, and a kitchen. Additionally, the basement has been designed to function as a civil defense shelter when necessary. A central lobby at this level connects the staircase and elevator with various service areas, allowing for independent and efficient management of both school and public activities.
At the ground level, the main hall is positioned for direct public access. The southern entrance, oriented toward the Melezza River, leads visitors to the upper balcony and provides circulation to the lower levels. This zoning strategy ensures clear vertical and horizontal movement flows within the building.
the Multipurpose Gymnasium sits near the Melezza River in Terre di Pedemonte, Switzerland
Beams parallel to Gymnasium’s facades create a structural grid
Structurally, the project responds to multiple performance criteria. The steel lattice roof not only supports the architectural concept of lightness but also accommodates technical requirements such as the absorption of horizontal facade thrusts, integration of ventilation ducts and electrical systems, installation of sports equipment, and collection and drainage of rainwater through perimeter beams and downspouts. The visual articulation of the steel connections allows the intensity of structural forces to become legible from the exterior and interior. Each joint and flange varies according to load distribution, making the static behavior of the frame apparent to viewers. This modular approach recalls the principle of the Meccano game, where similar elements are connected by pins, playing a precise and essential role in the overall performance of the structure.
The envelope meets Minergie-P and Minergie-A standards for energy efficiency, integrating airtightness and insulation requirements into the structural and architectural design. The gymnasium is conceived as a coherent system where each component, from roof structure to mechanical integration, contributes to both functional performance and architectural expression.
the building’s facade integrates with the woodland, emphasizing the connection between architecture and landscape
beams run parallel to the facades, spaced at five-meter intervals to create a structural grid
the steel lattice is divided into 36 segments, with joints positioned between lattice nodes
the main hall is positioned at ground level for direct public access
modular design principles informed the detailing, fabrication, and assembly processes
the modular steel assembly recalls the logic of mechanical connection systems like Meccano
the steel structure absorbs horizontal facade thrusts while integrating building services
project info:
name: Multipurpose Gymnasium, Terre di Piedemonte, Tissin, CH
architects: Demattè Fontana Architekt:innen | @demattefontana
lead architects: Enrico Demattè, Elena Fontana
client: Municipality Terre di Pedemonte, Canton of Ticino, CH
exterior accommodation area: 5,000 sqm
building volume: 11,500 cum
location: Terre di Pedemonte, Tissin, Switzerland
photographer: Federico Farinatti | @federicofarinatti
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
The post lattice of beams enfolds multipurpose gymnasium’s facade in switzerland by demattè fontana appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.