Dezeen Magazine

Side elevation of Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona

Assorted bricks give texture to facade of Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona

A mix of solid and perforated bricks creates rich patterns in the facade of this Barcelona sports centre, completed by three collaborating architecture studios.

Albert Salazar Junyent and Joan Carles Navarro of AIA, Antoni Barceló and Bárbara Balanzó of Barceló-Balanzó Arquitectes, and Gustau Gili Galfetti all teamed up on the design of Camp del Ferro.

Located in Sagrera, in the north of the city, it contains three indoor sports courts for the Sant Andreu district, an area where public sports facilities were scarce.

Brick facade of Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
The facade is made up of bricks in different tones and opacities

The architects chose brickwork for Camp del Ferro's exterior, as a mark of respect to the neighbourhood.

Not only is brick a common material in the area, but it also allowed for a mix of opacities, patterns and textures. Solid and perforated bricks in different shades create a variety of irregular stripes and bands, helping to visually break up the massing.

Corner detail of Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
The variation of bricks helps to soften the massing of the building

"The construction system is based largely on brick, deliberately revisiting the old factories, warehouses and workshops that are so numerous in the area," said the architects in a group statement.

"The low maintenance, bare brick facades alternate empty and full; opaque, translucent and transparent; and masonry units of different formats and colours, with the aim of lightening the whole."

Sun shades on south elevation of Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
Angled sun shades are made of perforated bricks

While the effect may appear random, it was designed with functionality in mind. Perforated bricks allow sunlight to filter into the sports courts but also moderate glare, creating optimal conditions for play.

With the same thinking, the south elevation incorporates angled sun shades, made with the same perforated bricks.

Aerial view of Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
Much of the building is submerged underground, creating a public plaza at the entrance

The architects describe the intention as "giving the built volume a texture, a grain, a vibrant pixelation, while also adapting to the different orientations".

With such a large building, cladding wasn't the only technique the architects employed to reduce the perception of size. They also opted to sink a lot of the structure underground.

Foyer of Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
There are two sports courts in the basement and a third upstairs

Two of the three sports courts are located in the basement, with natural light able to enter through high-level windows.

The third is then located at first-floor level, directly above one of these, while the roof of the other is used as an entrance plaza.

Basement sports hall in Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
Natural light filters into the basement courts through high-level windows

"The decision to partially underground the volume not only reduces its visual impact, it also generates an open urban space that is ceded to the city," said the architects.

"This space acts as a public foyer to accommodate occasional large influxes of visitors and users."

First floor sports hall in Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
The upstairs court features a glazed wall, which is shaded to prevent overheating and glare

Arranging the building in this way led to a highly efficient layout, with all service and storage facilities clustered together at the centre. This helps to the minimise the building's energy requirements, which helped it achieve a LEED Gold sustainability certification.

Other contributing factors included the building's high thermal mass, as a result of its brick walls and plant-covered roof, and the integration of natural, cross ventilation.


Project credits

Architects: AIA, Barceló-Balanzó Arquitectes, Gustau Gili Galfetti
Structure: BAC
Energy efficiency: AIA
Contractor: UTE (OHL/Calaf)
Site management: SGS
Project management: Qstudi
LEED management: Develop Index Ambiental

More images

Front elevation of Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
Entrance to Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
Site overview plan for Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
Site overview plan
Site plan for Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
Site plan
Lower basement floor plan for Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
Lower basement floor plan
Upper basement floor plan for Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
Upper basement floor plan
Ground floor plan for Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
Ground floor plan
First floor plan for Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
First floor plan
Second floor plan for Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
Second floor plan
Roof plan for Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
Roof plan
Section for Camp del Ferro sports centre in Barcelona
Section