gevel

THE BUILDING

The location behind the Blanke Schot is very near to the centre of the village Uddel and borders on the Veluwe National Park. The small-scale pattern of houses, farms and public buildings of Uddel automatically blends in with the surrounding countryside.

Basically the building of a sports complex, which can be subdivided into three gyms, entails erecting a large box of 22 by 45 metres and 8 high metres. This is necessary to provide space for the sports practised inside. It is impossible to build such a large volume against the open background of fields and green wooded banks of crown properties in a way that it doesn’t stand out, however, it can be designed in such a way that it becomes less obvious.

By placing the volume partly behind the buildings of the Blanke Schot, the view of the wide and high building mass is restricted and the view of the existing rows of trees and the countryside behind these is maintained.

The main entrance to the complex is the only element in the whole that is an eye-catcher because of its shape and the use of colours. The shape of the complex reflects that of the roof of a traditional barn, thus helping it to blend naturally with its surroundings.

The subtle use of materials and colours, layered brickwork and the charcoal-coloured wavy plating in the facade support the cut in the main structure. That there is such a large hall inside is not obvious from the outside.