- Project: Nikola Karabatic Sports Complex
- Architect: Atelier Aconcept
- Location: France, Mennecy
- Year: 2024
- Area: 2000 m2
In 2024, the Communauté de Communes du Val d’Essonne unveiled a striking new architectural landmark in Mennecy, France—the Nikola Karabatic Sports Complex, designed by Atelier Aconcept. With its gleaming gold façade and soaring, levitating form, the building pays architectural homage to the illustrious career of French handball legend Nikola Karabatic, while delivering a high-performance, multi-sport facility grounded in sustainable design principles.
A Statement in Gold
Positioned at the edge of a commercial district, the complex is wrapped in gold-toned expanded metal that changes with the light—an aesthetic nod to Karabatic’s medal-studded legacy. More than just decorative, the reflective cladding gives the structure symbolic presence, instantly turning it into a civic landmark and beacon for local development. The shimmering shell is both celebratory and pragmatic, hinting at excellence while maximizing daylight and energy efficiency.
Dual Volumes, Unified Purpose
The architecture is composed of two interlocking rectangular volumes, slightly offset to create architectural rhythm and visual interest. This offset also serves a passive environmental purpose: shielding interior spaces from intense sunlight while allowing filtered light to fill the building throughout the day. The cantilevered overhang provides shade during summer months, reinforcing the project’s eco-conscious approach.
Transparent, Inviting Public Space
At ground level, the fully glazed reception hall merges with the exterior forecourt to create a porous, welcoming arrival experience. The transparent atrium—open on three sides—draws in natural light and offers clear visual pathways into the heart of the building. Inside, a double-height space transitions effortlessly to a mezzanine level, enhancing spatial fluidity and public accessibility.
A Multi-Sport Arena Above Ground
The upper level houses the multi-sports hall, a perfectly rectangular gymnasium wrapped in golden mesh and illuminated by north-facing clerestory windows and a southern glazed strip. This elevated sports volume supports flexible configurations, from competitive handball and basketball matches to training sessions and community events. Retractable seating accommodates 100 to 150 spectators, depending on event setup.
Adaptable Auxiliary Spaces
On the ground floor, two square-shaped activity rooms cater to diverse needs—from dance and fitness to exhibitions and creative workshops. These rooms are outfitted with blank walls for mirrors, projection, or ballet bars, and offer direct access to outdoor areas, fostering integration with the surrounding business park. Shared storage zones enhance operational flexibility.
Circulation and Comfort
Wide corridors and circulation zones reflect a user-first design ethos, with a central patio introducing daylight into the core of the building. This light well connects to a longer, landscaped courtyard, which not only brightens the mezzanine but also enhances air flow and spatial comfort across all levels.
Sustainable Urban Integration
One of the project’s key challenges was integrating parking and stormwater management within a constrained site. The architects resolved this with a landscaped parking solution, which doubles as an environmental buffer and supports the site’s sustainability goals. The entire project is certified Effinergie+ HQE and features a wood structure, aligning with France’s national ecological transition goals.
