Nikola Karabatic Sports Complex / Atelier AconceptSave this picture!Courtesy of Atelier AconceptSports Architecture•France Architects: Atelier Aconcept Area Area of this architecture project Area:  2000 m² Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2024 Save this picture! Text description provided by the architects. In Mennecy (France), Atelier Aconcept delivered the Nikola Karabatic Sports Complex in 2024 for the Communauté de Communes du Val d'Essonne, the project owner. The result is a striking, golden, levitating volume. Situated at the southern edge of a business district, the sports complex's shimmering reflections pay tribute to the medal-studded career of the French champion, making it a landmark for regional development. Its imposing metallic façade underscores the facility's open and public nature.Save this picture!The design is both simple and functional, composed of two offset, interlocking rectangular volumes. This strategic layout maximizes the façade's impact while shielding users from direct sunlight. A slight overhang of the lintel serves as a sunshade during the long summer days. At ground level, the reception hall seamlessly extends from the forecourt, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior. Fully glazed on three sides, this atrium fosters transparency between form and function. Natural light floods the space, guiding visitors to the heart of the building. The double-height hall provides easy access to the mezzanine, which naturally extends from the ground floor.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Wrapped in gold-colored expanded metal that shifts with the light, the suspended volume houses the multi-sports hall. This space accommodates a variety of covered outdoor activities and features a generous landscaped exterior. A continuous strip of natural light from the north and a glazed band to the south bathe the interior in brightness.Save this picture!Maximizing the building's height strengthens its architectural presence. The golden cladding is a deliberate choice—both eye-catching and symbolic of the pursuit of excellence associated with Nikola Karabatic's name. The upper-level sports hall is a perfectly rectangular space, designed for multiple sports configurations, with tiered seating for 100 to 150 spectators, depending on the setup.Save this picture!The facility's versatility is further demonstrated by two auxiliary rooms on the ground floor. These square-shaped activity spaces each feature at least one uninterrupted wall, allowing for ballet bars, mirrors, projections, or exhibitions. With direct outdoor access, these rooms seamlessly connect with the business park. A shared storage area adjacent to these spaces enhances their adaptability.Save this picture!Spacious circulation areas emphasize user comfort. A central patio at ground level provides natural light and visual relief before extending into a larger, elongated courtyard, which illuminates the mezzanine and surrounding walkways. The site's constraints posed challenges for parking, leading to an innovative solution that integrates stormwater management. The parking area is designed as a landscaped element, harmonizing with the natural surroundings.Save this picture! Project gallerySee allShow less Project locationAddress:FranceLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeAtelier AconceptOffice••• MaterialWoodMaterials and TagsPublished on May 18, 2025Cite: "Nikola Karabatic Sports Complex / Atelier Aconcept" 18 May 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1030076/nikola-karabatic-sports-complex-the-golden-side-of-the-medal-atelier-aconcept&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream