Mondorf-les-Bains Velodrome and Sports Complex by Mecanoo with Metaform Architects

Mondorf-les-Bains Velodrome

Situated in the rolling countryside of Luxembourg on the edge of Mondorf-les-Bains, the new Velodrome and Sports Complex designed by Mecanoo and Metaform is set to reinforce the community, known for its thermal baths, as a destination for recreation.

Image © Mecanoo and Metaform Architects

The facilities combine the new national velodrome with an aquatic center, multisport hall and climbing wall, creating a sporting destination capable of hosting national and international cycling events while simultaneously creating a sporting hub for the community and future international school, proposed adjacent to the site.

Image © Mecanoo and Metaform Architects

The prescribed re-naturalization of the sloping agricultural site combined with the restrictions of both the site and a limited budget informed the compact design approach. The pools and sports hall are sunken into the topography and absorbed by sloping green roofs which blend the building into the landscape.

Image © Mecanoo and Metaform Architects

This gives the desired prominence to the velodrome as a recognizable landmark in the landscape, visible from the neighboring highway, while the manipulations of topography and landscape rationalize the complex program in a clever and economical way.

Image © Mecanoo and Metaform Architects

The layout connects the facilities through a grand foyer while maintaining a clear circulation for both athletes (professional, recreational and students) and spectators. The velodrome and sports halls are accessed through changing rooms located on the ground floor.

Image © Mecanoo and Metaform Architects

A large open staircase connects the public foyer on the first floor with the entrance, creating a clear public axis to the aquatic center and spectator areas of the velodrome and multisport. The brasseries create convivial informal meeting and waiting spaces, with outdoor terraces and views onto all of the facilities and the surrounding landscape.

Image © Mecanoo and Metaform Architects

The Velodrome appears as a floating volume with a transparent band separating the solid volume of the roof from the landscape. The simple form puts the elegant engineered timber structure on display. Wood and concrete finishes create a neutral, durable yet warm backdrop to the complex.

Image © Mecanoo and Metaform Architects

Throughout the facility strategically placed skylights and glazed facades optimize natural daylight while framing views to the landscape. Green roofs, passive solar design, and photovoltaic panels on the roof of the velodrome contribute to the compact building’s sustainable approach. Source by Mecanoo and Metaform Architects.

Image © Mecanoo and Metaform Architects
  • Location: Mondorf-les-bains, Luxembourg
  • Architect: Mecanoo and Metaform Architects
  • Client: Municipality of Mondorf-les-Bains, Luxembourg Ministry of Sports
  • Programme: Velodrome, aquatic center with indoor and outdoor facilities, 2 cafes, multi-sports hall, climbing wall, offices for the Luxembourgish Cycling Federation (FSCL), outdoor parking
  • Status: Competition
  • Awards: 1st place international design competition
  • Size: 24,500m2
  • Year: 2018
  • Images: Mecanoo and Metaform Architects, Courtesy of Mecanoo
Site Plan
Ground Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
Elevations
Diagram

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