The construction of Södra's tennis centre made of timber in Växjö is in full swing. The tennis hall will be run by a company owned by tennis stars Stefan Edberg, Carl-Axel Hageskog and Magnus Larsson.
"We are currently in the process of fine-tuning the plans for the layout of the tennis hall. The project involves three elements: cooperation with Linnaeus University in Växjö, corporate and private tennis, and an elite initiative," said Stefan Edberg, former world tennis champion.
With this project, Södra wishes to demonstrate the fact that it is competitive in terms of energy, construction time and economy when building this type of timber facility. The entire building will be a complete timber experience.
The building is being constructed using passive building technology, which means that essentially there is no need to provide energy for heating. Compared with traditional construction, passive building technology in this case will mean annual savings of around 300 000 kWh, equivalent to normal usage at 16 houses.
Investment costs when constructing using passive building technology are the same as for traditional construction. The heating system is very limited, and at the same time more money is being invested in insulation. However, the lower energy consumption will mean significant cost savings.
"This is the construction method of the future, and it will be possible to reduce investment costs as we gain more experience," said Peter Nilsson, CEO of Södra Timber.
When the hall is complete, it will be certified according to the German PHPP system, Passivhaus Institut. This is a recognised international system which will place the project firmly on the map, even in countries other than Sweden.
Construction work will be followed by a research and development project as part of the CBBT - Centrum för byggande och boende i trä (Centre for Timber Construction and Living) - research project at Linnaeus University, co-financed by Södra.
Construction began on 14 June. At present, the shell is more or less complete. The roof is under way, with laying of sheeting and insulation. Work has begun on the outer walls. The objective is for the building to be weatherproof by 15 December.
The tennis hall will be completed in May. The official opening, which will take place after the summer, will be just in time for the start of the indoor tennis season.
Stefan Edberg, Carl-Axel Hageskog and Magnus Larsson will be working together to run the new tennis hall. Discussions are ongoing concerning sponsors and sponsorship concepts.
For further information, please contact:
Peter Nilsson, CEO of Södra Timber, +46 (0) 703 15 09 27