La Canardière

Revitalizing La Canardière: A Modern Space for Gymnastics and Community

The Canardière Gymnasium, a hallmark of post-war architecture, was originally designed for practicality and efficiency. Featuring a large central hall flanked by locker rooms, showers, two smaller halls, and storage areas for the school and local associations, it provided a functional and adaptable space. However, as with many buildings of its era, the facility had its limitations, particularly in terms of thermal insulation and overall suitability for modern gymnastics training.

One of the major shortcomings of the original structure was its poor insulation. The gymnasium had only 2 cm of insulation on its metal roof and none on its exterior walls. Additionally, the large polycarbonate façade, while allowing natural light, was thermally inefficient. These factors resulted in extreme temperature fluctuations—cold and difficult to heat in the winter, and unbearably hot in the summer. The heating system, consisting of loud and inefficient air heaters, struggled to maintain a comfortable temperature. Furthermore, the flexibility of the hall, once considered a strength, became a drawback for the practice of gymnastics. Equipment and mats had to be frequently set up and stored away, creating logistical challenges, and some essential facilities, such as a landing pit, were missing.

Our proposal aimed to address these issues while preserving the building’s rational layout. The primary objectives were to enhance thermal comfort, bring the facility up to modern standards, and, most importantly, create a dedicated gymnastics hall. The design solution involved constructing a new gymnastics hall adjacent to the existing one. Offset by one structural bay, this addition allowed for increased natural light while creating a new shared entrance hall that unified the complex. The entrance, accessed from Schulmeister Street, is marked by a contemporary canopy and a concrete base, giving the facility a distinctive identity. New locker rooms were also introduced, designed for shared use between the two halls, alongside renovations to the existing facilities.

The exterior received a striking upgrade with black-stained wood cladding, installed in an overlapping and staggered pattern. This design choice not only adds a warm, timeless character but also interacts dynamically with light and shadow throughout the day. The cladding unifies the old and new structures, creating a cohesive visual identity that harmonizes with the neighboring school, which also features wooden facades. The consistent architectural treatment helps integrate the gymnasium into the evolving urban landscape. Inside, significant improvements were made to comfort and energy efficiency. Walls and roofs were insulated, outdated air heaters were replaced with ceiling-mounted radiant panels, and the inefficient polycarbonate façade was swapped for high-performance double glazing. Fixed sunshades now regulate sunlight, reducing heat buildup in the summer while capturing warmth from low winter rays. The existing sports flooring was preserved, ensuring continuity for athletes. Modern Features for an Enhanced Gymnastics Experience The new gymnastics hall was constructed with a lightweight metal framework and insulated concrete walls. Inspired by traditional artist studios, a large glass curtain wall facing northeast was incorporated, providing ample daylight without glare. Positioned high on the walls, the glazing ensures user privacy while maintaining a bright and open environment. Between the two halls, space was optimized to include tiered seating. These bleachers serve as a convenient spot for gymnasts to store their bags and offer parents a comfortable place to watch training sessions. To further enhance the environment, a perforated steel ceiling was installed to improve acoustics. Additionally, photovoltaic panels were mounted on the new roof, supporting both self-consumption and surplus energy resale, reinforcing the facility’s sustainability goals.

The renovation of the Canardière Gymnasium represents more than just an architectural upgrade—it is a transformation into a modern, welcoming hub for sports and community engagement. Designed to support multiple athletic activities, the space fosters interaction, motivation, and personal growth. By offering an inspiring and well-equipped environment, the gymnasium encourages participation and strengthens neighborhood connections. Through this revitalization, the Canardière Gymnasium stands as a model of sustainable, functional, and inclusive design, ensuring its role as a vital community space for years to come.