Egerbos Sports Hall

In 2012, the municipality of Venlo began work on a design for the (re)construction of the existing Egerbos sports complex. In line with their ambitions, it was essential that this project be designed and constructed according to cradle to cradle principles.

In partnership with 2.0 Architecten, C2C ExpoLAB submitted a winning bid for the tender. The cradle to cradle concept was realised in consultation with the client and future users, and C2C aspirations subsequently translated into the design.

What is particularly striking about this project, is the building’s external green facade. It not only boasts an attractive green appearance that blends seamlessly into the surrounding residential landscape; it actively eliminates the problem of graffiti. Also of note is the sports hall’s additional half story, which is beneficial from an energy perspective and simultaneously allows more daylight into the sports hall and surrounding apartments.

In addition, the various C2C certified materials are highly visible and supplied with information and explanatory notes. This allows students and visitors to walk a C2C route in the sports complex on their own initiative.

The result

As Cradle to Cradle and innovative durability were explicitly specified within the tender, 2.0 architecten approached C2C ExpoLAB to serve in the capacity of specialised advisor.

The following Cradle to Cradle themes were defined for Egerbos sports hall as part of a growth model:
1. Functional greenery – to purify air and provide decent air quality;
2. Renewable energy – use of exclusively renewable energy, and energy use minimisation via energy-efficient measures;
3. Continuous material cycles – maximising the number of materials that meet Cradle to Cradle criteria.

The difference

The C2C route ensures increased awareness and actively informs visitors and users;

The Egerbos Sports complex is the first C2C-inspired sports hall in the Venlo region. Meanwhile, a second gym is currently being realised and preparations for a third C2C-inspired sports hall are already in the pipeline;

More constant temperatures can be measured;

The use of green facades has eliminated the problem of graffiti and prevents loitering youth;

Those living in the vicinity enjoy a greener outlook and benefit from increased natural light in their living rooms.