Renovation of the base level of the Municipal Sports Centre in Genk, designed by architect André Paduart and engineer Isia Isgour: a modernist listed sports complex from 1975. Conversion of the existing sports hall into a gymnastics hall with fixed equipment, a dance hall, dojo, and changing rooms. Renewal of technical installations and exterior envelope.
In the second phase, in consultation with Heritage Authorities, we renovated the sports halls of the protected existing complex.
We transformed the sports hall into a gymnastics hall with fixed apparatus installations: 2-point, 4-point and cable lunges, men’s and women’s parallel bars, a rings setup, pommel horses, and corresponding run-up zones and built-in landing pits. For floor exercises, a competition floor with mirror wall and ballet barre was provided. Opposite the fully glazed eastern façade, we created a warm-up zone with parquet flooring and mirrored wall, which can be closed off by a ceiling-high light-blue curtain. Additionally, we installed a 7-metre-high climbing wall for further warm-up or play opportunities. All technical systems were renewed, the joinery replaced, and integrated sun shading was added.
An inspiring hall for top-level gymnastics!
The existing fitness room was repurposed as a dance hall: an acoustically enclosed space where the decibels can freely flow through the speakers. As daylight was not feasible in this area, we opted for the lightest possible interior finish.
The dojo was refreshed with judo mats on the floor and walls.
Circulation routes were fully adapted to accessibility requirements and revitalised: fresh green tiles replaced the dull dark-brown finishes. A new window from the underground circulation area provides a view into the gymnastics hall, helping visitors orient themselves in the subterranean “catacombs.”
The changing rooms were completely renovated and equipped with vandal-proof concrete benches. Showers received a maintenance-friendly PU coating, as did the changing areas.
Finally, the roof of the base structure was renovated as well.