All work produced by Unit 14
Cover design by Charlie Harris
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/architecture
Copyright 2025
The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher.
dominikdominh@gmail.com
TRNAVA CIVIC SPORTS HALL
LTrnava,
Slovakia @dominhik
egacy of Sokol proposes a civic sports hall for city of Trnava, rooted in Slovakia’s vernacular construction traditions while embracing contemporary performance and material clarity. The building adopts a hybrid stadium typology, enabling a symmetrical layout that promotes equal spectatorship, spatial hierarchy, and a strong central focus celebrating both sporting and cultural events. A hybrid structure defines the building’s strategy: a reinforced concrete plinth anchors the perimeter and supports a cantilevered timber superstructure, composed of radial glulam trusses that eliminate the need for internal supports within the main hall.
The brief is inspired by the ideals of the Sokol movement, a cultural and athletic tradition in Slovak history that promoted physical education, national identity, and civic pride. This project reinterprets those values at a contemporary scale,
creating a venue that invites interconnected sporting events and regional cooperation, positioning Trnava as a new sporting epicenter in Central and Eastern Europe.
The building construction draws inspiration from Cicmany houses and the Kozolec hayrack, reinterpreting their stacked framing, expressive trusses, and material honesty at an architectural scale. The inhabitable attic wings, framed with timber trusses, contrast with the openness of the central skylit hall, creating a clear spatial gradient.
Zulu huts, also known as iQukwane or uMuzi, are traditional African dwellings made by the Zulu people of South Africa. Architecturally, these huts are notable for their beehive-like, circular structure, which is both functional and symbolic. They are typically constructed from locally sourced natural materials, such as grass, reeds, and wooden poles, woven together to form a thatched roof. The rounded shape helps to withstand strong winds, while the thatched roof provides insulation against heat. Inside, the layout is simple and often features a central hearth, reflecting the Zulu emphasis on communal and family-centered spaces. The hut’s design integrates seamlessly with its environment, offering durability, climate adaptability, and cultural significance.
Clay is an essential material in Zulu hut construction, used primarily to seal and insulate the walls and floors. When mixed with mud or cow dung, clay is applied over the woven reed walls to create a smooth, solid surface that protects against wind, rain, and pests. Its natural thermal properties help regulate the hut’s interior temperature, keeping it cool during hot days and warm at night. On the floor, clay mixed with dung forms a durable, dust-resistant surface that is easy to maintain. The use of clay not only enhances the hut’s longevity and comfort but also demonstrates the Zulu people’s deep understanding of sustainable, locally sourced building techniques.
The roof is the defining element of the Zulu hut, shaped like a dome or beehive. It is crafted by tightly bundling and layering thatched grass over the wooden frame, creating a thick, water-resistant covering. The conical shape allows rainwater to run off efficiently while providing thermal insulation, keeping the interior cool during the day and warm at night. This roof design also minimizes wind resistance, making it particularly suited to the often harsh climatic conditions of South Africa.
The main structural from wooden poles, These poles are arranged anchored into the Additional vertical support the roof. lightweight and resilient, withstand strong winds The circular layout distribution but also egalitarian values The entrance to doorway. This design and minimizes the external weather requires occupants symbolizing respect Additionally, the and privacy while between the outside interior space.
structural framework of a Zulu hut is made typically sourced from local trees. arranged in a circular pattern and ground to form a stable base. vertical poles are placed centrally to This skeletal structure is both resilient, enabling the hut to winds while maintaining flexibility. layout is not only practical for load also reflects the communal and of Zulu society.
to a Zulu hut is usually a small, low design helps retain warmth inside the exposure of the interior to weather conditions. The low height occupants to bow slightly when entering, respect for the household. the small opening enhances security while emphasizing the transition outside world and the intimate space.
Zulu huts display traditional shell-like structures, showcasi principles of shell construction: a lightweight, curved form that efficiently carries loads using minimal material. While they lack the cemplex materiality and design optimization of modern shells, they serve as an excellent example of how indigenous architecture intuitivel y mirrors advanced structural principles.
This study investigates how the vernacular geometry of Zulu huts (vernacular shelled structure) can inform the design of spatial fragments that promote human engagement. The study focuses on expanding and adapting conventional spaces using curved surface principles through parametric prototyping. By testing multiple configurations, the investigation explores how curvature affects enclosure, movement, and spatial orientation. The process combines digital design and material fabrication strategy to derive a set of geometric strategies that support a structurally sound and experientially rich design brief. Each fragment represents a spatial moment that challenges human engagement.
spatial concept definition
geometric blending form unification
Singular double curved surface flowing across two levels isolating occupants
spatial concept definition
MOMENT 4 TESTING
Folding wall surface forming a tunnelling space
1. The plywood strips were prestressed by clamping them onto the mold without adhesive. This step helped the strips conform to the mold’s curvature and reduced internal tension during lamination.
2. Three layers of strips were applied in an alternating grain direction. This cross-lamination pattern was chosen to enhance the structural strength and stability of the final panel.
3.Polyurethane glue adhesive is applied between each layer of plywood strips, ensuring even coverage. The assembled layers were clamped onto the mold, applying uniform pressure to maintain contact between layers and ensure proper bonding. The adhesive was left to cure over an extended period due to the slow drying nature of PVA.
4. The fully cured panel is trimmed using band saw resulting in a final product,
This proposal investigates the potential of Double Curved Cross Lamination as a method for producing timber panels that are both strong and capable of forming trully freeform and large span shapes.
By integrating the principles of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) with 3D veneer lamination, this method offers the potential to produce lightweight, double-curved panels with enhanced strength and rigidity.
The process involves laminating thin plywood strips in alternating grain directions to improve structural performance. These strips are shaped over custom-designed molds, including freeform surfaces and ridge-inspired geometries, using adhesives such as polyurethane glues to ensure a durable bond.
To minimize the effects of gaps between the strips caused by irregular spacing between the strips, the middle layer, cut using an parametrically kerfed plywood, is introduced to stabilize therigidity of the panel.
1
MOMENT 4
The *kozolec* is a defining artefact of eastern agricultural architecture. Its open timber frame optimizes airflow while providing protection, achieving a balance between structural rationality and spatial economy. The rhythmic arrangement of vertical posts and horizontal beams demonstrates material efficiency and an acute response to climatic needs.
In Slovenia’s Alpine region, particularly in Mojstrana, *kozolci* reflect the adaptation of architecture to agricultural traditions and environmental conditions. Their robust construction, tailored to temperate climates with ample airflow, underscores their role in efficient hay drying and storage. Beyond utility, the *kozolec* embodies a sustainable architectural solution that integrates ecological sensitivity with cultural heritage, shaping the rural identity of the region.
At its core, the kozolec reflects a deep responsiveness to context: its steeply pitched roof mediates the demands of Slovenia’s climate, while the use of traditional mortise-andtenon joinery speaks to a continuity of craft. The kozolec’s form is not merely functional but a conceptual synergy of structure, materiality, and landscape, a dynamic interface between human activity and natural forces.
Slovenian architecture, while distinct in its regional expression, reflects a dynamic blend of European influences and local traditions. Positioned at the crossroads of Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans, Slovenia’s architectural landscape is shaped by a diverse historical and cultural heritage.
Streha (Roof) – A steeply pitched roof, typically covered with wooden shingles or thatch, protecting the hay from rain and snow.
Stebri (Vertical Posts/ Columns) – The vertical wooden posts that provide the primary structural support, anchored into the ground or foundation.
Leseni Podstavek (Wooden Substructure) – A wooden framework or platform that sits between the concrete footing and the main vertical posts. This substructure helps evenly distribute the load and adds extra elevation, keeping the wooden posts from direct contact with moisture while integrating with the overall timber construction.
Precke (Horizontal Crossbars/ Slats) – Horizontal slats where hay is hung to dry, spaced for optimal airflow.
Betonski Temelj (Concrete Footing) – The concrete base or foundation that anchors the vertical posts (stebri), providing stability and preventing decay by elevating the wood above ground moisture.
There are several typologies of kozolec, each with regional variations and design differences based on specific agricultural needs and environmental factors. The main types are single kozolecs, double kozolecs, and various regional variations, some of which have decorative elements or additional functional spaces. Below are the primary types:
Maintenance (Ongoing, Yearly)
Annual Inspections: Farmers inspect the kozolec for any signs of damage or decay, particularly in the roof and wooden slats. Areas that receive heavy snowfall may experience roof damage, while the base may suffer from rot due to moisture.
Roof Repairs: Roof shingles or thatching may need replacing every few years, especially if the roof is exposed to harsh weather. The roof is key to prolonging the structure’s life.
Wood Treatment: Wood that shows signs of decay or insect damage is replaced or treated with oils or preservatives. Traditionally, linseed oil or tar was applied to exposed wood surfaces for protection.
End of Life or Reusage (After 50-100 Years)
Decay and Structural Weakness: After decades of use, typically between 50 to 100 years, parts of the kozolec may begin to deteriorate due to rot, insect infestation, or wear and tear. The most exposed components, such as the posts or roof, are often the first to weaken.
Disassembly for Parts: In many cases, when a kozolec reaches the end of its functional life, it is carefully disassembled. Usable parts, such as beams and posts, may be repurposed for other structures, including barns, fences, or even a new kozolec. This reuse of materials reflects the resourceful nature of traditional rural communities.
Recycling the Wood: The wood from the kozolec may also be recycled for firewood or turned into smaller woodworking projects, such as tools or furniture.
Cultural Preservation: If the kozolec has significant cultural or historical value, it may be restored rather than deconstructed. This involves replacing damaged parts and reinforcing the structure, often with new timber, to preserve the kozolec as a cultural monument.
Restoration or Modern Reuse
Heritage Conservation: In modern times, many kozolecs are restored and preserved as part of Slovenian cultural heritage. Organizations or families may undertake restoration projects to keep these structures intact, often using traditional methods.
Repurposing: Some kozolecs are adapted for modern use, serving as tourist attractions, outdoor event spaces, or even as decorative elements in rural landscapes.
The Nadstropni Kozolec (two-story kozolec) with a wooden shingle Dutch roof is a versatile structure widely used in Slovenian farming to maximize efficiency in drying hay and storing agricultural products. Its two levels provide ample space for drying large quantities of hay, with the elevated upper story ensuring better exposure to airflow while protecting crops from ground moisture. The roof’s steep pitch and overhanging eaves are particularly suited to regions with heavy rainfall or snowfall, keeping hay dry and safe. The kozolec’s enclosed areas are often used to store tools, grain, or equipment, making it a multifunctional hub for farm operations. This design is especially valuable in regions like Gorenjska, where harsh weather demands durable and practical solutions for preserving crops and resources. Beyond its functionality, the nadstropni kozolec is a lasting symbol of Slovenia’s agricultural heritage and efficient use of space.
The Nadstropni Kozolec employs precise traditional timber joinery methods to ensure strong axial alignment, load transfer, and shear resistance without reliance on metal fasteners. These joinery systems are inherently tolerant to movement and capable of dispersing stresses across multiple contact surfaces, which enhances the longevity and seismic performance of the structure. In the proposed project, these principles are reinterpreted using engineered timber components and proprietary steel plate connectors, particularly within the cantilevered glulam truss assemblies and attic framing system. While the assembly is modernised for scale and code compliance, the logic of mechanical interlocking and clear force pathways reflects the same performative ethos. Joints are designed to optimise moment continuity, resist lateral loads, and maintain constructive clarity—embedding traditional spatial intelligence within a contemporary tectonic framework.
Stacked timber framing system used the roof shows repetition and layering to achieve both structural integrity architectural expression. Each beam is placed in a rhythmic sequence, distributing loads evenly while for long, unobstructed spans across hall.
The kozolec roof consists of a pitched timber frame supported by vertical posts and horizontal beams. Rafters are spaced evenly and overlaid with battens to hold wooden shingles or thatch. Joints are typically mortise and tenon or pegged. The open structure promotes airflow, while repeated frames create a stable and visually rhythmic form. rhythm of repeated frames gives the kozolec its iconic stacked profile.
used in layering integrity and timber sequence, allowing across the
The Cicmany house features a steeply pitched gable roof built with stacked timber framing, common in traditional Slovak vernacular. Rafters rest on log walls and are layered with battens supporting wooden shingles. This stacked system allows for modular assembly and excellent rain and snow shedding. Widely used across Slovak mountain regions, stacked roof framing became popular for its structural clarity, efficient drainage, and ease of repair in harsh climates.
The Sokol movement, founded in 1862 in Prague by Miroslav Tyrš and Jindrich Fügner, played a fundamental role in shaping the physical culture of the Czech and Slovak lands. Influenced by German and Slavic nationalism, Sokols emphasized physical fitness as a means of national and personal strength, promoting gymnastics, calisthenics, and athletic training as a path to civic responsibility and resilience.
By the early 20th century, the movement had spread across Slovakia, becoming a central pillar of physical education. Sokols were not just sports clubs—they were social institutions that reinforced community identity, discipline, and national pride. The movement also had a strong connection to Czechoslovak independence, as Sokol-trained individuals contributed significantly to national defense and civic organization, particularly in the formation of Czechoslovakia in 1918.
After World War II, the communist regime suppressed Sokol activities, replacing them with state-controlled sports organizations. However, the values instilled by the movement—community-oriented physical culture, discipline, and national unity—continued to shape Slovak and Czech sports infrastructure.
Slovakia has a long tradition of structured academic and athletic competitions that serve as a pipeline for developing talent. Rooted in both the school system and broader national sports structures, these competitions follow a tiered model, progressing through:
-School-level tournaments or academic Olympiads
-District rounds, where top contenders from multiple schools compete
-Regional (West, Central, East Slovakia) qualifications
-National Championships, where the best from each region face off
This system, which has been in place for decades, is mirrored in both intellectual and physical contests—from mathematics Olympiads to track and field events. It has helped Slovakia cultivate a culture of excellence, where young individuals progress step by step through competitive ranks, honing their skills in preparation for international representation.
With the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, Slovakia sought to redefine its national identity, including in the realm of sports. Trnava, historically a center of education and athletics, emerged as an important location for new sports infrastructure. The development of modern sports halls, stadiums, and athletic centers aligned with a broader effort to revive competitive excellence, blending historical legacies with contemporary needs.
The Slovak Sports Hall in Trnava represents a continuation of this heritage—an arena where local youth advance through Slovakia’s competitive system, where community engagement thrives, and where the echoes of the Sokol movement still resonate in the pursuit of national pride through athletic achievement.
1. Great Strahov Stadium, Prague, 1926 Still standing, used as a training center and event venue (No longer hosts mass gymnastics but remains an iconic symbol of the Sokol movement)
2. Sokol Vinohrady, Prague, 1930 Reinstated for community sports and social use
3. Sokol Ceský Brod, Ceský Brod, 1884 Active, regularly hosting events
4. Sokol Kolín, Kolín, 1878 Still in use for community and gymnastic activities
5. Sokol Písek, Písek, 1896 Open, serving as the home venue for the basketball team Sršni Písek
6. Sokol Tábor, Tábor, 1905 Operational, offering fitness classes, hall rentals, and cultural programs
7. Sokol Gymnastics Hall, Malacky, 1931 Still in use for sports and cultural events; however, it is no longer owned by the Sokol organization
8. Sokol Turciansky Svätý Martin (now HK Martin), Martin, 1932, Evolved into HK Martin, an active ice hockey club participating in Slovak leagues
9. Sokol Park Arena Trnava, Trnava, Proposal for a new community operational facility for various sport competitions and city club training sessions
school round
The first stage begins at the local level with a school round, where students compete to identify top talent. Winners advance to the district round (okresné kolo), competing with peers from other schools to become district champions, ensuring broad and inclusive participation.
district round Piestany district
regional round
The second stage moves to the regional level with the regional round (krajské kolo), where district winners compete within one of Slovakia’s eight regions. Regional champions then advance to the state round, divided into Western, Central, and Eastern Slovakia, where the top competitors are selected for the national stage.
region
region
region
Zilina region
region
Trencin region
Kosice region
The final stage is the national round, where top state winners compete to become national champions. These high-level contests promote excellence and test skills against the best in Slovakia. National champions may qualify for international events like the International Mathematical Olympiad or World Sports Championships, ensuring a fair, rigorous selection process that fosters teamwork, competition, and national pride.
Competitions: Stage 2 Competitions: Finals
Games / International Championships
Competitions: Stage 1
Central European Conference League
Trnava is the ideal hub for the CECL—a youth sports league uniting school teams from Central Europe. By fostering regional cooperation and cultural exchange, the league breaks down Cold War-era divisions and builds a stronger, more connected Central Europe through sport.
Building on existing competitive sporting infrastructure
Volleyball
United World Games – Klagenfurt, Austria – A multi-sport youth festival every June.
Basketball
Prague Volleyball Games – Prague, Czech Republic – Europe’s largest annual youth volleyball tournament, held between Christmas and New Year at multiple venues (with finals in the UNYP Arena). International Basketball Tournament Gniezno – Gniezno, Poland – An annual international youth basketball tournament each summer, organized by TS Basket Gniezno.
United World Games – Klagenfurt, Austria –Part of the yearly UWG, Basketball games are played in Carinthia’s arenas over a 4-day Olympic-style youth event.
Futsal
ISF World Schools Futsal Championship – Porec, Croatia - A biennial world championship for secondary school futsal teams (U18) under the International School Sport Federation.
Danube Valley Conference Futsal – Bratislava, Slovakia – International schools futsal tournament for middle and high school teams from neighboring countries each year.
Handball
Prague Handball Cup – Prague, Czech Republic – A massive annual youth handball tournament held every Easter.
Cell-Cup International Handball Festival –Veszprém, Hungary – An annual week-long youth handball festival every August.
Floorball
Prague Floorball Cup – Prague, Czech Republic – A major international youth floorball tournament held annually.
Hummel Open Game – Brno, Czech Republic –Youth floorball open tournament every June.
Eurail connections
Trnava, known as the “Slovak Rome” for its historic churches and academic heritage, presents a unique architectural landscape shaped by centuries of layered urban growth—from medieval walls to socialist-era housing. Its compact scale, active civic culture, and evolving edge conditions create suitable ground for architectural interventions that bridge past and future. With underutilised industrial zones, strong sporting traditions, and a growing university presence.
allotment
Historic Cinema
Stadium Carpark commercial stores (under development)
Faculty Building Fandly Library Slovakia office
council has expressed strong interest in this area in the recent decades, with redevelopment locations highlighted in diagram. These sites could be transformed for residential, or cultural purposes, given proximity to the historic center and recreational facilities.
Park” is located on the site of the former range of Trnava’s sharpshooters and, since establishment in the 19th century, has been popular park for couples, who, especially evening, contribute to its romantic atmos2022-2023, the park underwent renovations offers a multifunctional relaxation area loungers, views of the Trnávka River, several and a dedicated cycling path often used with children on balance bikes.
11th–16th Century – Formation and Fortification:
Trnava developed as a compact, fortified settlement centred around churches and monasteries. No formalised sporting infrastructure existed.
1948–1965 – Socialism 1:
Mass housing estates like Tulipán and Vozovka were developed. Sport remained school-based, with limited central facilities.
16th–18th Century – University City:
The Jesuit influence brought educational prestige and denser civic fabric, yet public sport remained informal and limited to elites.
1948–1965 – Socialism 1: Directed Expansion and Everyday Collectivism
Trnava grew through state-planned housing and infrastructure. Sport was part of daily life, mainly via schools, echoing the Sokol spirit. This era set the groundwork for future civic sport spaces.
Late 18th–19th Century – Industrial Expansion:
New factories and rail lines extended the city outward. The Sokol movement began spreading, promoting mass physical culture rooted in national pride.
1970s–80s – Socialism 2
Large-scale urban expansion continued. Some sports facilities emerged, but without a unified regional venue. Recreational demand outgrew supply.
1918–1948
Suburban housing and civic squares emerged. Sokol gymnasiums and mass events fostered a collective culture of sport and physical education.
Retail zones and fragmented suburbs define recent development. Though some parks were added, sports infrastructure remains inadequate for regional ambition.
Reclaimed Heritage: Brick Culture in Trnava and Architectural Continuity
Trnava’s brick culture has a deep-rooted history, with production dating back to before 1238. The city’s medieval fortifications, originally constructed from locally manufactured bricks, played a crucial role in defining its urban identity. Over time, as the defensive structures lost their strategic relevance, their bricks were systematically reclaimed and repurposed into buildings across the city. This cycle of reuse established a tradition of sustainable construction, embedding historical materials into new architectural forms while preserving the essence of the past.
The project continues this legacy by integrating reclaimed bricks from demolished buildings in Trnava’s city center, some of which themselves contained materials from the original medieval fortifications. This process not only conserves valuable resources but also strengthens the connection between the city’s architectural past and its evolving urban landscape. By embedding materials that have already witnessed multiple transformations, the project ensures that Trnava’s historical narrative remains physically present within modern structures, reinforcing the notion that architecture is a living archive.
storey plan and cross-section 22 in Trnava according
cross-section of tower no. to I.Stanik
The southern district of Trnava brings together three major event-centric venues—the proposed Sports Hall, City Arena (a UEFA-compliant stadium) and Ice Hockey Rink, forming a walkable sports cluster. This spatial concentration encourages the city’s capacity to host multi-sport competitions and civic events while improving logistics for athletes, teams, and organisers. Close proximity between venues improves shared operations, coordinated programming, and efficient transport access. For visiting athletes, the unified layout provides legible environment, reinforcing Trnava’s identity as a regional hub for high-performance sport and public celebration.
By consolidating high-capacity event-focused infrastructure within a defined district, the city has distinct catogerization between event-centric and participation-centric facilities. While the southern district becomes a landmark zone for spectatorship, the scattered network of school-based and community sports grounds across the city continues to support training, education, and grassroots engagement. This spatial distinction brings clarity to the urban fabric. This creates a centralised hub for eventsbut and preserves accessibility and inclusivity in residential areas. This sporting ecosystem engages in city’s plans for coherent expansion.
Due to the city’s educational legacy, Trnava has developed a widespread network of athletic tracks, football pitches, and tennis courts—most of which are embedded within school grounds. However, the city lacks a centralized and flexible indoor sports infrastructure capable of hosting diverse year-round competitions. The current sports hall, while functional, is outdated and geographically dislocated from the city’s primary sporting and cultural venues in the central southern block.
Relocating the sports hall to the central district—already anchored by the City Arena and adjacent public infrastructure—consolidates the city’s eventcentric facilities into a unified sporting district. This integration enhances transportational efficiency and visitor experience, but also elevates Trnava’s regional status as a host for multi-disciplinary sporting events. The new location creates a civic hub that encourages seasonal festivals, youth tournaments, and national competitions, consolidating urban cohesion with economic vibrancy.
Trnava has a strong network of training and recreational facilities, mostly built into schools across the city — football pitches, athletics tracks, and courts are widely accessible.
However, the main sports hall is out of place. It’s located away from both the city main stadia and the school-based network, with no clear connection to either. This limits its role in supporting day-to-day training and larger indoor events.
Relocating it to the southern district would bridge that gap and bring better structure to the city’s sports infrastructure.
Bringing the new indoor sports hall next to the City Arena creates a focused event district in the heart of Trnava. It connects the city’s main venues, simplifies logistics for large events, and improves access for spectators and athletes.
This new cluster turns an underused block into a civic hub — linking transport, public space, and sport into one system. It also creates a clear hierarchy: training happens across the city, while major events are hosted in a unified, high-profile location.
Sporting infrastructure categorization
In sports mode, the hall is configured for structured competitions, with clear distinctions between active play and spectator support. The attic wings, situated along the upper perimeter of the arena, feature openable wall systems that remain closed during matches, forming discrete, sound-buffered zones. These zones serve as break-time social spaces, hosting bars, cafés, and food stalls that spectators can access between matches or during intermissions. Meanwhile, the perimeter basement level becomes a dedicated athlete zone, with changing rooms, physiotherapy spaces, and team support facilities. This layout emphasizes formal circulation, separation between players and fans, and controlled temporal rhythm which is essential for hosting everything from schoollevel tournaments to national championship events.
Cultural Programme
Slovak Film Week Festival Carnival (Fasiangy)
january
Competitions: Stage 2
Competitions: Finals Spring Festival (Cheese, craft, folkfest) Summer
Public Sport Access
Sport Programme
In cultural mode, the building undergoes a subtle spatial transformation to support a fluid, immersive audience experience. The attic wings open up, dissolving the barrier between core arena and perimeter programs, allowing visitors to flow freely between performance and hospitality spaces. The bars, food stalls, and lounges become integrated into the performance environment, mirroring the non-linear rhythm of concerts, festivals, and exhibitions, where breaks are informal or unnecessary. Below, the basement level transitions from athlete support to a fully functional backstage, accommodating artists, technicians, and performers. Dressing rooms, storage, and tech zones are repurposed to enable seamless logistical support for live events, reinforcing the hall’s dual identity as both a competitive arena and a cultural catalyst.
Competitions: Stage 1 Summer Games
END / KOTOLNA
BAR / SPARTAK TRNAVA FANZONE / GAME ROOMS / LOUNGE
WORKSHOPS / ACTIVITY CLASSROOMS / STUDIOS
PUBLIC TERRACE
TICKET OFFICE / LOBBY / SPORT HALL
MEDICAL ROOM / BACKSTAGE LOUNGE / CHANGING ROOM / BATHROOMS / SERVICE
northern end of the hall, Bar Kotolna offers panoramic views of the adjacent park, Spartak Trnava’s iconic stadium, and the historic orientation mirrors the legendary North Kop (Kotol) of Spartak, celebrating the city’s rich fan culture. Its placement mirrors the north adjacent stadium, strengthening its symbolic and spatial connection to Trnava’s football identity.
dual orientation:
large windows open up to panoramic views of the park, Spartak Stadium, and the city centre skyline. an internal terrace overlooks the sports hall’s main pitch, creating a direct visual connection to the action below.
perspective makes Kotolna a bridge between spectator culture and everyday leisure, with lounges, game rooms, and social areas supporting both casual gathering throughout the year. It becomes the social anchor of the complex—buzzing before and after matches, alive during open year-round for casual meetups. The space includes game rooms and lounge areas, supporting both high-energy gatherings and relaxed
Elevated above the pitch, the bar is both physically and symbolically the “12th player,” carrying forward the passionate spirit of Trnava’s design of the new sporting epicentre.
Timber Kit of Parts
Despite Slovakia’s abundant supply of spruce, the uptake of mass timber architecture remains limited due to a confluence of factors. The construction industry in Slovakia traditionally favors conventional materials like concrete and steel, which have long-established design standards and market trust. This conservative approach is reinforced by existing building codes and regulatory frameworks, which have been slower to adapt to the unique challenges and benefits of mass timber construction—especially regarding fire safety and performance criteria. The market for mass timber is still emerging; there is limited investor confidence and a less developed value chain for specialized processing, certification, and design expertise required for mass timber projects.
Trnava’s new sports hall accelerates the conversation around shifting material focus towards renewable resources and technologies, tapping into Slovakia’s strong and underutilized timber supply.
Slovakia’s extensive forested landscapes, which cover a significant portion of the country, provide a robust supply of high-quality timber, making it naturally suited for mass timber construction projects. Thanks to a longstanding tradition of forestry management, Slovak woodlands are sustainably harvested, ensuring a consistent and responsibly sourced material stream. Moreover, the country’s well-developed wood milling and processing industry has the capacity to transform raw timber into engineered products like CLT, glulam, and laminated veneer lumber. This established infrastructure, combined with ongoing technological advancements, positions Slovakia as a promising environment for embracing mass timber construction, balancing modern architectural ambitions with ecological stewardship.
The Dolný Kubín District, located within the Orava district of the Zilina (Zilinský) Region in northern Slovakia, is distinguished by its historically entrenched forestry sector and advanced wood-processing capabilities. Nationally, forests cover approximately 41% of Slovak territory, ranking the country among Europe’s more densely wooded nations.
The fragment illustrates full occupancy of roof structure void with spatial engagement with structural members.
The fragment tests proposition for
tests isolation of the attic with speculative for an independent structural build up using precast RC modules as structural core.
Testing variant using full timber build up.
programmatic flexibility dimensional circulation
site boundary geometric response to the park
material sequencing coherent attic structure
circulation response surrounding facing openings
The site is characterised by prevailing northwestern and southeasterly winds, which align well with natural ventilation strategies for large interior volumes. Solar exposure peaks from late spring to early autumn, offering strong daylighting potential, particularly from the southeast.
Climate data indicates hot summers with average highs above 25°C, and cold winters with frequent overcast conditions. Rainfall is evenly distributed across the year, though summer months show increased precipitation intensity, requiring thoughtful drainage and roof detailing. The combination of seasonal variation, clear wind direction, and moderate sunlight availability supports a passive design approach that balances solar gain, ventilation, and shading.
The building guidelines the main hall. for visibility,
The sports within the alignment enhancing
building is oriented along a north–south axis, aligning with standard stadium design guidelines to ensure even distribution of daylight and minimal shadow interference across hall. This orientation supports consistent lighting conditions, which is critical visibility, player performance, and broadcast quality.
sports hall is precisely aligned at just 1.3 degrees off true north, falling well the optimal orientation range recommended for sports facilities across Europe. This also ensures that players and spectators are shielded from direct afternoon sun, visual comfort and match performance.
landscape concept - pit arena
landscape concept - valley
The proposed sports hall aims to seamlessly integrate with its surroundings, using topography as both a design element and functional boundary. At its heart lies a pit arena, a sunken space that enhances engagement by drawing activity inward.
Two sculpted hills define its edges, responding to the duality of its context. On the park side, a gentle slope creates a natural transition, inviting movement between the building and the landscape. On the street side, a larger hill forms a protective barrier, sheltering the arena from urban distractions while maintaining accessibility.
This design blurs the lines between architecture and terrain, transforming the sports hall into an extension of the landscape—an immersive space where sport, nature, and urban life converge.
street + park confronation
3 - stacked
massing 4 - supspended tower
massing 5 - out-facing cantilever.
massing 6 - in-facing cantilever
iterative fragment
Initial design testing explored a direct translation of the attic-scale timber frame trusses—scaling them up to span the full width of the sports hall. However, due to material and span limitations of timber, this approach proved structurally inefficient and required excessive depth and reinforcement.
As a result, the strategy evolved into an alternative hybrid approach, treating the roof as two opposing cantilevered trusses that meet at the center. This shift maintained the visual and spatial logic of the original system, while responding more effectively to long-span performance and structural feasibility.
steel roofing panel layer
composite floor layer
Tectonic Strategy
The material tectonics of the proposal are rooted in the layered memory of Trnava’s built fabric and the evolving logic of structural expression. The base plinth of the building is conceived as a robust concrete strata. The building sits on a concrete plinth that connects it to Trnava’s industrial and material heritage. It recalls the pragmatism of post-war civic infrastructure while embedding within it the narrative of the site—constructed from prefabricated concrete elements and reclaimed bricks sourced from Trnava’s own historic demolitions, the plinth carries both structural weight and cultural memory of both the Soviet era and Medieval legacy.
The upper structure is built from timber, responding to local traditions and introducing a lighter, more open architectural language. As a light, expressive counterpoint to the mass below, the timber construction reflects the spatial logic of Slovakia’s vernacular architecture, echoing the open-roof attics and pitched silhouettes of traditional houses. It draws further inspiration from Eastern Europe’s agricultural heritage, referencing structures like the kozolec (Slovenia), skeletal frames for drying grain—as a precedent for collective spatial identity. The rhythm and openness of the timber evokes the social and seasonal rituals tied to Trnava’s harvest festivals (dozinky and zatva), positioning the hall not just as a place of sport, but as a civic structure rooted in cultural continuity. As one of the largest timber buildings Slovakia, it aims to set a regional precedent allowing tradition to inform innovation.
MOMENT GRADIENT UNDER LIVE LOAD - MOMENT DISTRIBUTION
Moment peaks at the first column and decreases past the slanted support.
karamba study - stress/strength utilization analysis
TAPERED GEOMETRY - STRUCTURAL TAPERING
Truss depth reduces toward center to lower performance.
Basement (Spas, Maintance and Water Storage)
INDEPENDENT LOAD RESOLUTION - TENSION LOAD PATH
Tension paths show the truss is self-supporting without needing back-bracing into the hall.
TIMBER FRAME TRUSS PERIMETER SYSTEM
TIMBER FRAME TRUSS EVOLUTION
ITERATION FRAME MODEL 1
Single Frame Roof Truss System
ITERATION FRAME MODEL 2
Modular Roof Truss System
FINAL FRAME MODEL
Cantilevered Truss System
The building’s structure is organized around a clear hierarchy of load-bearing elements, where a concrete substructure acts as a continuous anchoring plinth, supporting a timber superstructure composed of cantilevered trusses. This base not only grounds the building visually and materially, but also provides the mass, stiffness, and shear resistance required to stabilise the cantilever forces above.
The timber superstructure is composed of a series of radial cantilevered trusses that define the perimeter and roof logic of the building. The initial design aimed to span the full width of the main hall with a continuous truss system; however, due to the structural inefficiency and deformation risk associated with long-span timber, the approach was refined.
The revised strategy splits the roof into two independent cantilevered systems, each anchored at the perimeter and projecting toward the center without relying on mid-span support. This not only improves structural efficiency and material performance, but also allows for the insertion of a central skylight at the point of minimal structural demand.
The exposed timber trusses operate in bending and tension, delivering both clear-span capability and an articulated spatial rhythm. Their cantilevered nature enhances redundancy and spatial openness, reinforcing the architectural intent of a lightweight, legible, and expressive roof system rooted in regional timber construction traditions.
TIMBER FRAME SUPERSTRUCTURE
Overview
The timber superstructure is assembled through a clear tectonic system defined by its material transitions, structural layering, and connective detailing:
Concrete Interface: Steel plate connections bridge the glulam trusses to concrete columns, allowing material movement and load transfer.
Floor Build-Up: CLT with acoustic insulation and floating screed, detailed for fire separation and minimal thickness.
Roof Build-Up: Insulated timber roof with ventilated cavity and integrated skylight at structural neutral point.
Connections: Steel dowels and concealed brackets ensure both structural integrity and clean expression of timber joints.
The attic floor uses a suspended timber cavity filled with mineral wool insulation for thermal performance. Cross-battens support floor finishes, while the cavity also accommodates MEP services. Fire barriers are placed at cavity ends and between zones to prevent lateral fire spread. A soffit layer encloses the underside, completing a fire-safe and thermally efficient floor system.
The interface between the concrete substructure and timber superstructure is resolved through a precisely coordinated connection system. Highstrength steel bolts are cast directly into the prefabricated concrete columns, allowing the timber elements to be mechanically fixed with structural reliability and minimal on-site adjustment. Above these columns, a precast concrete beam spans around the perimeter, featuring cast slots designed to receive structural glulam joists.
he attic frame employs engineered steel plate connections with spliced glulam ends and highstrength bolted fixings, designed to ensure full structural continuity across truss spans. These concealed connections are dimensioned to resist dynamic live loads from occupants and activities, as well as lateral wind forces acting on the cantilevered system. The use of steel at all primary junctions enhances load transfer capacity and mitigates long-term deformation, ensuring reliable performance under cyclic and variable loading conditions.
Concrete Substructure
Overview
The substructure is composed entirely of prefabricated reinforced concrete components, designed for efficient load transfer, construction speed, and integration with the superstructure:
Prefabricated Footings & Columns: Modular concrete footings and vertical columns form the primary load-bearing system, anchoring the perimeter and supporting vertical loads from the timber trusses above.
Precast RC Walls: Reinforced concrete wall panels provide lateral stability and enclose the basement level. They define structural cores and act as retaining elements where required.
Precast Floor Slabs: Horizontal slabs span between wall and beam elements, carrying secondary loads and servicing basement and circulation areas.
Aerial view showing the surrounding contexts of the park and the canal running across the block.
Aerial view showing viewing decks inside the fanzone bar facilitating premium social events.
Exterior view looking from across the street of the southern elevation of the lobby.
Eastern elevation view showing diferrent occupational activities at each level.
Cut view showing secondary hall in relation to the adjacent hall.
northern adjacent hall.
northern hall (main) in relation to the
KOTOL - KOP END VIEW
View from the Kop End (Kotol) stand highlighting spectator perspective
Perspective view from third floor terrace showing MORE EXCLUSIVE spectatorship experience.
Access ramps allowing disabled viewers to participate
Interior view looking from the fanzone bar highlighting open design.
In the evening, the sports hall transforms into a cultural venue, hosting concerts, performances, and public shows. Its adaptable interior, acoustic considerations, and robust lighting infrastructure support a wide range of events.
At night, the hall adapts to host competitive matches, tournaments, and special sporting events under lighting designed for performance and visibility. The atmosphere shifts from training to spectacle, drawing in spectators and energising Trnava’s local sports culture with high-intensity activity after dark.
SITTING BY TRNAVKA - CANAL SIT PIT VIEW
Evening canal side view showing public engagement with existing pit in relation to the Sports Hall.
Long section view highlighting the overall building spatial sequence from the street including basement activity.
Aerial view of Trnava’s urban layout with proposed Southern Sporting District
All work produced by Unit 14
Cover design by Charlie Harrishttps://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/architecture
Copyright 2025 The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher.
At the center of Unit 14’s academic exploration lies Buckminster Fuller’s ideal of the ‘The Comprehensive Designer’, a master-builder that follows Renaissance principles and a holistic approach. Fuller referred to this ideal of the designer as somebody who is capable of comprehending the ‘integrateable significance’ of specialised findings and is able to realise and coordinate the commonwealth potentials of these discoveries while not disappearing into a career of expertise. Like Fuller, we are opportunists in search of new ideas and their benefits via architectural synthesis. As such Unit 14 is a test bed for exploration and innovation, examining the role of the architect in an environment of continuous change. We are in search of the new, leveraging technologies, workflows and modes of production seen in disciplines outside our own. We test ideas systematically by means of digital as well as physical drawings, models and prototypes. Our work evolves around technological speculation with a research-driven core, generating momentum through astute synthesis. Our propositions are ultimately made through the design of buildings and through the in-depth consideration of structural formation and tectonic. This, coupled with a strong research ethos, will generate new and unprecedented, one day viable and spectacular proposals. They will be beautiful because of their intelligence - extraordinary findings and the artful integration of those into architecture.
The focus of this year’s work evolves around the intrinsic chance and professional desire for creative and systematic investigation. The explorative and intellectual process of iterative learning through informed experiment, catalysed by potent discoveries and ultimately seeking an architectural application. An intensely investigative approach enables the architect’s fundamental agency and core competency of the profession to anticipate the future as the result of the highest degree of synthesis of the observed underlying principles underpinned by strong research. Constructional logic, spatial innovation, typological organisation, environmental and structural performance are all negotiated in a highly iterative process driven by intense architectural investigation. Through the deep understanding of principles, we will generate highly developed architectural systems of unencountered intensity where spatial organisation arises as a result of sets of mutual interactions. Observation as well as re-examination of past and contemporary civilisational developments will enable us to project near future scenarios and position ourselves as avant-garde in the process of designing a comprehensive vision for the forthcoming. The projects will take shape as research based, imaginative architectural visions driven by speculation.
Thanks to: ARUP, DKFS.io, Foster+Partners, KLASKA LTD, Populous, RSH+P, Seth Stein Architects, ZHA, knippershelbig
