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Racquets Centre |
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The Racquets Centre is our second project at AlmaVerde. JWA are responsible for the planning and landscaping of the 21303m2 plot. The site has a gentle south-facing slope with some rocky outcrops and some mature old trees. We studied the contours of the ground and the existing planted features so as to maximise the natural feel of the site as well provide six tennis courts, a multi use pitch, paddle court and a beach volleyball area. We located the Racquets Centre at the top of the site so it commanded a good view over the tennis courts and also complemented the building line set up by the southwest corner of the adjacent new apartment block. An additional open pavilion is also proposed to act as a focal point in the landscape and a general meeting place; this balances the new building on the other side of the formal open courtyard arrangement of the adjacent apartment block. The new Racquets Centre building is formed of two square pavilions with barrel-tiled pyramid shaped roofs linked by a lower flat roof with roof glazing. A frame of timber pergola on white rendered (concrete) columns is used to provide structured shade and inviting surroundings to the new building. The pavilions will each have a glazed central raised roof detail, which will provide high-level natural light and ventilation to the internal spaces. The North block contains the main bar, bar seating, the games area that has a pool table and the kitchen. Set back from this building is the other pavilion which contains the male and female changing areas. This set back allows the location of the Northern pergola, which provides an inviting area of external seating at the main entrance. The timber pergola to the South will allow people to view the tennis courts area whilst being under shade. Weather permitting timber sliding folding doors would open the bar to a south-facing courtyard. The project will go before the planning committee at the end of April. In Portugal the drawings required for a planning application are practically of a working drawing standard. The building is part of the first phase of development and so should be on site later this year. |
