The new changing rooms and refreshment bar at Daillens Sports Centre redefine sustainable architecture with a thoughtful, low-impact design. Replacing outdated 1970s facilities, the new structure serves the FC Venoge football team while harmonizing with the surrounding landscape. Positioned along the football pitch, the elongated wooden building is topped by a delicate metal roof, its ridge subtly mirroring the Jura mountains. Despite covering less than 400 m², it efficiently accommodates changing rooms, showers, a refreshment bar, and a space for the local bowls club.

Locally sourced materials shape the project’s eco-conscious approach. The walls are insulated with straw bales crafted from village farms, cut to precise dimensions using vintage baling machines. Lowland larch from nearby forests forms the wooden framework, prefabricated for efficient assembly. A series of 37 laminated timber frames, spaced to match the straw bale modules, support the structure. Above, green-stained battens and corrugated metal roofing integrate agricultural aesthetics with modern craftsmanship. The roof’s curved form naturally links the sunflower fields and football pitch, while the building’s pavilion-like elevation invites spectators to gather along its perimeter.

Sustainability extends beyond material choice to long-term adaptability. Designed for eventual deconstruction, the building incorporates repurposed elements from the previous facilities, including a relocated boot-washing station and an old shelter repurposed for housing a heat pump. Minimal concrete use in strip foundations further reduces environmental impact. Photovoltaic panels on the roof generate electricity, balancing energy consumption on-site. Opened in September 2024, the structure exemplifies resource-conscious design, proving that small-scale architecture can deliver both functionality and forward-thinking environmental responsibility.

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