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Revitalizing Sports Facilities: Kegelbahn Wülknitz Bowling & Sports Facilities

Revitalizing Sports Facilities: Kegelbahn Wülknitz Bowling & Sports Facilities

Situated midway between Leipzig and Dresden in the picturesque Elbe Valley lies the quaint Saxon community of Wülknitz. Here, the local sports and ninepin bowling club, ESV Lok Wülknitz e. V., had long practiced their sport in an old barracks on the outskirts of the village. However, in 2016, the decision was made by the local council to construct a new ninepin bowling alley, prompting a call for proposals. The primary goal of this initiative was to centralize the club’s sporting activities, including football, in the village center, thereby solidifying its role as a social hub within the rural community.

Architectural Vision and Execution

Following a successful bid in the competition, the task of bringing this vision to life was entrusted to the newly established architectural firm, KO/OK Architektur.

The resulting single-story building, nestled adjacent to the local authority and sports ground, seamlessly integrates the club’s diverse activities under one roof. This strategic placement not only consolidates the club’s functions but also revitalizes the previously underutilized village center.

Design Features

A covered terrace marks the entrance to the building, leading into a spacious multifunctional area featuring a four-lane bowling alley, bar, and kitchen. This central space opens up to the outdoor area, directly connecting to the adjacent football pitch. Parallel to the bowling alley, secondary rooms housing changing facilities, showers, offices, and storage areas are neatly arranged.

Efficient Design and Construction

In adherence to stringent budget constraints, the design process prioritized efficiency and functionality. Through meticulous planning, a largely prefabricated wooden structure was conceived, drawing inspiration from industrial warehouse construction.

Aesthetic Elements

The interior showcases exposed glue-laminated timber beams and plywood surfaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Visible installations for ventilation and lighting add to the utilitarian charm, while colored linoleum floors inject bursts of vibrancy. Externally, the building is enveloped in a simple wooden cladding, accentuated by rift-sawn larch planks with a sleek grey finish. The subtle vertical profiling of the facade lends the structure a sense of elegance, harmonizing with its surroundings while exuding a modern aesthetic.

In summary, the Kegelbahn Wülknitz Bowling & Sports Facilities stands as a testament to innovative design and community-centric architecture, serving as a vibrant hub for sports and social gatherings in the heart of Wülknitz.

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