Altza Municipal Sports Center

Integrating diverse athletic facilities within a neighborhood scale The Altza Municipal Sports Center in Donostia is a testament to architectural ingenuity, replacing a previous structure with a complex that harmonizes with its urban surroundings. The project strategically utilizes existing retaining walls and parts of the original foundation, demonstrating a commitment to resource efficiency. The sports court, elevated above the indoor pools, clears space for an entrance plaza to the west, which features new outdoor courts and a small pelota court. To the south, a solarium with an outdoor pool and children’s water games is complemented by auxiliary pavilions for changing rooms and storage. The building's interior is organized with a longitudinal band to the north, housing changing rooms, activity rooms, offices, and facilities. This arrangement, supported by a 15-meter span concrete structure with lateral cantilevers, allows for flexible distribution. The design emphasizes efficient circulation, with vertical movements concentrated at both ends of the longitudinal band. The main lobby, positioned at an intermediate level, ensures athletes can easily access the sports court and pool. The use of two large metal Warren trusses as skylights in the roof structure allows for a reduced external impact and maintains appropriate facade heights.

Design Highlights

Utilizes existing retaining walls and foundation Elevated sports court to create an entrance plaza Solarium with outdoor pool and children's water games Longitudinal band for complementary services 15-meter span concrete structure with lateral cantilevers Efficient circulation with centralized vertical movements Skylights formed by metal Warren trusses

Key Facts