Earlier this year, Södra announced a public architecture competition for the design of a new building concept for a tennis centre in timber. The aim was to raise timber construction to a new level. The competition, which was run in conjunction with Välle Broar, CBBT (Centre for Timber Construction and Housing), the Swedish Association of Architects and Martinsons, generated a great deal of interest with a total of 193 proposals being received from 23 countries.
“We are extremely pleased with the strong response we received and the many well-prepared entries that came in from so many countries. It shows there is a great deal of interest in timber architecture,” says Leif Brodén CEO of Södra.
The winning concept has now been selected and the first prize of SEK 200,000 goes to the entry Tennis + trä. The entry was submitted by Kent Pedersen, Marie Preisler-Berthelin and Jakob Suhr Lundh, Kent Pedersen Arkitektfirma ApS, Hellerup, Denmark.
“The entry has, in a tangible manner, highlighted new opportunities and contributes to raising timber construction to a higher level,” says Peter Nilsson, president of Södra Timber.
The second prize of SEK 100,000 was awarded to the entry Greencup, submitted by Mikko Hormia and Carola Lindh-Hormia, Helsinki, Finland.
Focus on opportunities in timber construction technology
The primary aspect of the competition was to develop a successful construction concept from two angles:
- It should manifest the opportunities inherent in architecture and timber construction technology in a resource-efficient, low-energy and sustainable manner that is not only feasible but also suitable for reproduction in different locations.
- It should be a stimulation for the sport of tennis.
“The starting point was that the winning project should exploit the properties of timber to develop a high quality and rational solution that can also be constructed in other locations. As well, the hall should naturally create a welcoming and functional framework for tennis events,” says Peter Nilsson.
Opinion of the jury on prizewinning entries and honourable mentions
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“Winning a competition for a building in timber, which is to house sporting perfectionism, human development and life energy in general is a great gift.” Kent Pedersen
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First prize: Tennis + trä, by Kent Pedersen, Marie Preisler-Berthelin and Jakob Suhr Lundh, Kent Pedersen Arkitektfirma ApS, Hellerup, Denmark.
“The entry has in a convincing manner addressed the competition requirements. In terms of tennis, the hall has very well thought-through functionality and lighting but is also highly versatile for other large events.
The simple form and construction principles make good use of the strength and character of timber. This creates a facility that can be reproduced and adapted in many contexts.
The available site has not been used particularly effectively and the building is only weakly related to its surrounds and the dense urban area that is planned.”
Second prize: Greencup, by Mikko Hormia and Carola Lindh-Hormia, Helsinki, Finland.
“The hall has all the attributes a tennis hall should have. The exterior signals tennis and welcomes players and spectators.
The design is impressive. Primary laminated arches between the courts divide the hall and the required ceiling height over the courts is achieved with a secondary span system. This is a somewhat complicated construction that is not convincing: the hall should be simple to build and replicate as well as provide space for functions other than tennis.”
Honourable mention: The house of tennis, by MADE architekti, Riga, Latvia.
“The entry shows a clear and very well designed architectural concept. The lighting that heightens the hall’s qualities from function to building art is unfortunately also its failing. Indoor tennis and glaring daylight are not compatible.
The jury wishes to highlight this proposal however as one of the most beautiful despite its functional shortcomings.”
Honourable mention: Fördel trä, by Per Nadén, Anton Kolbe, Moa Rundlöf and Jacob Sjöblom, Gothenburg, Sweden.
"A very well designed building with a driven and clear design that takes the concept of tennis hall into modern times. The timber treatment, both external and internal, is extremely attractive. The geometric design language works well with the intended placement.
The entry has functional shortcomings however, the spectator-player relationship is not sufficiently convincing.”
Honourable mention: Urbana, by Hans Algard, arkitekt SAR/MSA, Ola Bengtsson, arkitekt, Olle Dahlkild, arkitekt SAR/MSA, Jens Dahlkild, arkitekt. Medverkande: Ruth Wiberg, arkitekt MSA, Calle Notman, arkitekt MSA. Arkitekter Engstrand och Speek AB, Stockholm.
“The entry has ignored the request for a hall where spectators and instructors can easily overview games on all courts. The courts have instead been placed in pairs on two floors over one another and thus achieved a quality that the jury found interesting and worth highlighting:
An integrated building that can be placed centrally in an urban environment so as well as providing easily-accessible tennis courts it can also be used as a large exhibition or concert hall.
The integrated design of the proposal enables it to exploit the current location not only for the tennis hall but also to provide space for a large housing area."
Information about the competition:
The proposal has been judged on a number of criteria, including: design, architecture, accessibility, flexibility, feasibility, environmental friendliness and resource efficiency.
More information about the competition is available in the attached competition programme.
Images for download
>> Click here to find images of the proposals
The jury:
The competition jury consisted of:
Stefan Edberg, former world tennis champion
Carl-Axel Hageskog, Växjö University
Erland Ullstad, architect Växjö
Hans Andrén, Välle Broar
Thomas Sandell, SandellSandberg
Natasha Racki, Arkitektstudio Widjedal Racki Bergerhoff
Eva Nygren, Sweco Sverige
Leif Brodén, CEO Södra
Lars-Eric Åström, Chairman Södra
Peter Nilsson, President Södra Timber