Nestled in a breathtaking clearing on the plateau of Revard at an elevation of 1400 meters, the Nordic Educational and Sports Center of La Féclaz is a marvel of modern architecture that seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings. The center’s design is characterized by its simple, monolithic construction, with a compact volume based on a square shape that is topped with a large three-pitched roof and a half-hipped roof. This innovative approach to building design allows for greater cantilevers and minimal impact on the scale of pedestrians or skiers, making it perfect for the rugged terrain of the Alps.
The choice of materials for the center is equally impressive, with an emphasis on geo- and bio-sourced materials and a frugal design approach. The frame is constructed from solid wood from local forests, specifically labeled as “Bois des Alpes”. Walls above 2.80 meters are made from wooden frames covered with solid larch boards, while exterior walls are made from local Grésy stone with an inner concrete double wall for added durability against impacts from ski equipment and the moist environment of a cross-country skiing center. The underside of the ceiling consists of solid local spruce battens, adding to the building’s energy efficiency.
The technical description of the center is equally impressive, with an exterior masonry construction that incorporates an inner concrete double wall and Grésy stone for insulation. The walls support a solid spruce wood frame designed in small sections with mortise and tenon joints to create a large lattice and free up ground space. Heating is provided by radiant floor heating to evaporate moisture from melted snow and reduce heat losses due to entries and exits. Energy production is managed by a photovoltaic power station, while the air handling unit complements the heating system with thermodynamic production and heat recovery. All these features make this center highly energy efficient.
In conclusion, the Nordic Educational and Sports Center of La Féclaz is not just another sports facility but also an architectural masterpiece that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings while incorporating sustainable materials in its construction process. With its innovative design approach, energy efficiency measures in place
