Sports complex brings together elite sports and rehabilitation under one roof

Holbæk Sportsby in Denmark is one of Scandinavia’s largest sports complexes.

The complex brings together everything from mountain bike sports to modern treatments and creates a meeting place for both children and adults. In an interview, architect Nicolas Munkø from the Kullegaard architectural firm explains the design considerations behind the project.

A city within the city

The purpose of the Holbæk Sportsby complex is to bring together all of the city’s sports facilities in one place and create new communities. The sports complex is constructed like a city, with houses, streets and inviting spaces.

“Instead of being one large room, the foyer has been designed like a branched network of small squares and living areas that connect the different sports hall functions. This creates a fertile ground for forging bonds across different types of sports,” says Nicolas Munkø.

Trails, lakes and wetlands characterise the surrounding countryside and outdoor facilities.

“Holbæk is characterised by its proximity to the fjord and by the surrounding fields and forests. This is reflected in the architecture of the sports complex, where there are references to the surrounding countryside in the form of lakes and wetlands, trees and large green spaces. The beautiful surroundings should provide recreational value to those citizens who do not necessarily use the sports facilities,” says Nicolas Munkø.

Inspiration creates synergies

Elite sports, rehabilitation or a friendly five-a-side game. It is precisely this diversity across activity and skill levels that characterises Holbæk Sportsby. One integral part of the building is the municipal health centre, which offers a range of health and rehabilitation services to citizens.

“The idea is that the health centre and sports complex’ respective activities and users can inspire each other and create positive synergies. That’s why the health centre is located close to the communal areas, yet with consideration for the users,” says Nicolas Munkø, adding:

“From the health centre you can look into the sports complex, and outside, people can use various facilities such as sensory gardens and pétanque lanes with an unobstructed view of the other outdoor facilities,” says Munkø.

Large windows between the various sports halls and out into the foyer space also provide external onlookers and other users a view of the many possibilities offered by Holbæk Sportsby.  

A hard-wearing building with a varied colour palette

Across the building, robust and solid materials dominate to help the building cope with expected wear and use. Inside, the focus is on steel, concrete and wood – and on giving the rooms some calm areas and good acoustics.

“Sport and movement impose stringent demands on durability, acoustics and indoor climate. For that reason, the building has been constructed using solid materials capable of meeting the many needs,” says Nicolas Munkø.