Forest of Air

The project proposes a sports infrastructure that stands out for its lightness and sustainability, using a rational structure of certified wood in a ‘diagrid’ pattern and an envelope of ETFE cushions. This combination allows large spans to be covered in an environmentally friendly way, replacing glass with a lighter material that traps air to provide insulation and transparency. The urban strategy focuses on ‘filling in’ the existing topographical ‘moats’ to unify the ground level, visually and physically connecting the building with the Parque de los Sentidos and creating a new public space that eliminates the psychological and architectural barriers of the previous environment.

Functionally, the building is organised under a single, continuous roof that gives coherence to the whole, integrating the existing fronton with the new courts and water areas. The design prioritises energy efficiency through passive strategies such as natural cross ventilation, solar gain in winter and protection through overhangs in summer. With a clear commitment to industrialised construction and low maintenance, the proposal not only resolves the sports programme in a compact manner, but is also projected as a transparent and friendly architectural landmark that dignifies the southern access to Noáin.