The Bloso Sports Centre in Herentals dates back to 1972 and is in need of a comprehensive renovation. Over the past decades, various small-scale refurbishments have been carried out across the different buildings, but always in isolation. This fragmented approach has caused the original spatial concept to be lost.
Set in the heart of the beautiful forested Nete Valley, the complex is home to a wide range of top-level sports facilities: the main sports hall, the national squash centre, an athletics track, multiple outdoor fields, and an ice hockey rink. The architectural strength of the complex lies in its clear organizational structure and in the impressive main hall, covered by a parabolic roof. On the exterior, the sports hall is clad with a white waterproofing layer, giving the building a light and distinctive appearance. Despite the patchwork of renovations, the building retains undeniable spatial qualities and a solid structural framework.
Phase 1
Our base proposal includes the required updates for the main sports hall: refurbishing the gallery, adding new emergency exits, and renewing the acoustic wall, sports flooring, and stands. Our aim is to restore the hall to its former glory by reviving the original spatial experience — a vast playing field spanned by a soaring parabolic roof. The later-added ceiling grid will be removed, and technical installations will be visibly suspended from the roof. The ceiling will be refreshed to enhance the hall’s grandeur and improve the distribution of light. The result: a sports arena with true presence, ready to host high-level events in style.
Phase 2
At the changing-room level, we propose a complete renovation of the locker rooms, player corridor, fitness area, and martial arts halls. All spaces will receive new flooring and ceilings, new sanitary facilities, and updated technical installations, with user comfort and low maintenance as guiding principles. The locker rooms will be finished with PU coatings, offering the advantages of seamlessness, water resistance, acoustic absorption, shock absorption, and extreme durability. Sanitary installations, including supply and drainage systems, will be replaced to meet current Vlarem II regulations. Built-in furniture will be impact-resistant and provide generous storage for clothing, footwear, and sports equipment. The martial arts halls will be repainted, while the fitness hall will be refreshed with new finishes and a suspended ceiling.
Phase 3
The boiler room and HVAC installations will be upgraded to connect to the district heating network and operate with renewable energy sources.
Phase 4
Finally, the front façade, entrance, meeting rooms, and cafeteria will be refurbished, ensuring a fresh and welcoming image for the entire centre.