lattice of beams enfolds multipurpose gymnasium’s facade in switzerland by demattè fontana

Multipurpose Gymnasium’s facade integrates with the woodland

Located near the Melezza River in Terre di Pedemonte, Tissin, Switzerland, the Multipurpose Gymnasium by Demattè Fontana Architekt:innen integrates landscape and structural design within a forested setting. The surrounding woodland defines the building’s primary facade, acting as a natural backdrop and a filter for daylight throughout the year. This interplay between architecture and landscape controls solar exposure and contributes to the spatial depth of the gymnasium’s interior.

The building is organized around a square floor plan measuring 30 meters on each side. Its structural composition combines a reinforced concrete basement with a steel superstructure above ground level. The roof system, designed to appear lightweight and slender, is based on a lattice of beams aligned parallel to the facades and spaced at five-meter intervals. This structural grid was divided into 36 segments, with joints positioned midway between lattice nodes. The modular configuration guided the static calculations, detailing, fabrication, and assembly processes for the entire building.

Demattè Fontana combines reinforced concrete with steel

The gymnasium developed by Demattè Fontana Architekt:innen Studio serves multiple functions beyond sports activities. The basement level accommodates supporting facilities, including changing rooms, multipurpose spaces, archives, storage rooms, and a kitchen. Additionally, the basement has been designed to function as a civil defense shelter when necessary. A central lobby at this level connects the staircase and elevator with various service areas, allowing for independent and efficient management of both school and public activities.

At the ground level, the main hall is positioned for direct public access. The southern entrance, oriented toward the Melezza River, leads visitors to the upper balcony and provides circulation to the lower levels. This zoning strategy ensures clear vertical and horizontal movement flows within the building.

Beams parallel to Gymnasium’s facades create a structural grid

Structurally, the project responds to multiple performance criteria. The steel lattice roof not only supports the architectural concept of lightness but also accommodates technical requirements such as the absorption of horizontal facade thrusts, integration of ventilation ducts and electrical systems, installation of sports equipment, and collection and drainage of rainwater through perimeter beams and downspouts. The visual articulation of the steel connections allows the intensity of structural forces to become legible from the exterior and interior. Each joint and flange varies according to load distribution, making the static behavior of the frame apparent to viewers. This modular approach recalls the principle of the Meccano game, where similar elements are connected by pins, playing a precise and essential role in the overall performance of the structure.

The envelope meets Minergie-P and Minergie-A standards for energy efficiency, integrating airtightness and insulation requirements into the structural and architectural design. The gymnasium is conceived as a coherent system where each component, from roof structure to mechanical integration, contributes to both functional performance and architectural expression.

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project info:

name: Multipurpose Gymnasium, Terre di Piedemonte, Tissin, CH
architects: Demattè Fontana Architekt:innen | @demattefontana

lead architects: Enrico Demattè, Elena Fontana

client: Municipality Terre di Pedemonte, Canton of Ticino, CH

exterior accommodation area: 5,000 sqm
building volume: 11,500 cum

location: Terre di Pedemonte, Tissin, Switzerland