2023 IOC IPC IAKS Architecture Prize
RAVELIN SPORTS CENTRE AT UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH
NEW BENCHMARK FOR ULTRA LOW ENERGY SPORTS FACILITIES
The project, designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects in close collaboration with consultants Max Fordham, provides facilities for both the University of Portsmouth and the wider city. The centre combines a swimming pool, sports hall, fitness facilities and teaching space in an open and transparent building, to visibly promote health and wellbeing on campus. The design is fossil fuel-free and has demonstrated an operational energy consumption of less than 100 kWh/m2/year – a level of performance which no other e quivalent sports centre in the UK has yet demonstrated.
JURY VERDICT Ravelin Sports Centre is highly successful with more than 1 million active users per year, while also setting a new benchmark for ultra-low energy sports facilities. The jury recognises the compact building form and the energy-efficient external envelope, together with the maximised use of natural daylight and the automatic system controls for ventilation, heating, cooling and lighting as a demonstration of what can be achieved with careful design and skilful engineering. Visual connections between activities inside and outside create a welcoming focus on health and fitness without compromising the highly efficient building envelope. On the accessibility side, Ravelin Sports Centre not only offers physical access in all areas. The building is open to the public without any entrance control, inviting people of all abilities to acclimatise and to become confident enough to take part in activity and sports. Furthermore, the centre offers gender-neutral toilets throughout the building and universal changing areas with a wide range of choices for different needs and levels of privacy. The jury welcomes this effort that has also received great feedback from the university community. 38
sb 5/2023