The training pavilion beside the auxiliary football fields at Stožice Sports Park is the first completed structure within a long-planned public park. Although modest in scale, its role is significant. As the initial built element, it sets the architectural language and construction logic for future pavilions that will support different forms of public use across the sports complex. Rather than presenting itself as a standalone object, the pavilion establishes a framework: simple, legible, and robust. Its clarity of form and material restraint are intended to endure, both physically and conceptually, as the park develops over time.
Structure shaped by clarity and use
The pavilion’s design evokes the image of a tectonic plate splitting apart. Two slanted concrete walls define the outer frame, anchoring the building to the ground and giving it a strong, stable presence. Between these walls, a timber structure is inserted, forming the sheltered interior spaces. This clear separation of elements allows each material to perform efficiently. Concrete provides mass, durability, and long-term resistance to wear, while timber introduces warmth and a human scale where the building is occupied most closely.
A ventilated and adaptable envelope
The structure is wrapped in a ventilated façade made of laminated panels arranged in a regular grid. This layered construction improves the building’s environmental performance by allowing air circulation behind the outer skin, reducing heat buildup and supporting material longevity. Visually, the grid creates a shifting effect. Depending on the viewing angle, the lines appear to align or fragment, giving the pavilion a quiet dynamism without relying on complex geometry or applied decoration. The façade is both protective and expressive, designed to weather evenly and require minimal maintenance.
Daylight, air, and interior simplicity
Inside, the pavilion accommodates changing rooms and showers for players, along with spaces for coaches and referees, storage areas, and technical rooms. The layout is straightforward and efficient, prioritising ease of use and clear circulation.
Roof windows bring natural light deep into the timber interiors, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daytime use. These openings also support natural ventilation, allowing fresh air to move through the building without mechanical systems. This combination creates an interior atmosphere that is both energising and calm, supporting athletes as they prepare for training or competition.
Finishes are kept simple and durable, suited to intensive use and easy repair. The focus remains on performance rather than visual excess.
Landscape as an extension of use
The pavilion is set within a landscaped environment that includes benches and open areas for resting and waiting. These outdoor spaces support not only players, but also companions, visitors, and passers-by. The surroundings extend the function of the sports park beyond scheduled training, encouraging informal use and everyday presence. By integrating seating and open ground rather than fencing or barriers, the pavilion contributes to a more inclusive public realm.
