The project consists in designing a dojo in Sonzay, Indre-et-Loire, France. Placed at the entrance of the village, it is the new equipment of a current sports complex.

With careful regards to the inside as well as to the outside, the orientation, openings and cladding of the facades are determined by the landscape, whereas the plan and the circulations are determined by the practice of the sport.

Thus, a square volume is fit in-between the gymnasium, the football club’s locker room and refreshment bar. Covered by Douglas-fir cladding, a covered joint apparatus inherited from the traditional codes of farmhouses or hangars helps respect the rural site’s character.

The inside is built with the same expression, the carefully designed framework, left visible, creates a singular space above the tatami mats. The distribution plan is made all around the mat area, following a clear system distinguishing two East-West programmatic lanes sheltering cloakrooms, restrooms as well as technical rooms and a circulation and contemplation lane in the North, which completely opens up on the landscape in the the South.

From this area, seated spectators enjoy the view through  large pane windows surmounted by a 1.40m lintel. This set-up provides a natural quality of light without blinding or over heating the judokas like with direct light.

The panels above these windows are designed to create a light pleat that contributes to the uniqueness of the space while optimizing acoustic comfort.

The construction part consists in limiting as much as possible the structural work by using raw and bio-sourced materials. With the exception of the foundations and the roof, the entire building is made of wood (insulation, framework, partitions, interior joinery and furniture).