Sports in schools: A game for everyone

Optimal layout within the school complex
The new sports hall will be located in the undeveloped southern part of the school property, with convenient access from the street to the east, visitor parking and in direct contact with the "Vasil Levski" school building to the north. It is planned to build a warm connection between the school building and the new sports facility, as well as new outdoor sports grounds.

Multifunctional sports field
The sports field, measuring 39 m / 22 m, allows for the placement of two separate training areas for basketball and volleyball, as well as a single placement of a competition field for basketball, volleyball and handball, with adjoining folding stands. A storage room for sports equipment is provided in direct connection with the field.

Universally accessible spaces
The entrance and utility spaces are universally accessible for people with specific needs. All elements of the utility area - changing rooms, toilets, etc. - are dimensioned in accordance with this strategy and allow for easy and convenient operation. The positioning of the entrances allows for complete separation of the utility area when used jointly with the neighborhood.

Modern sports hub

Numerous functional usage scenarios
The placement of two pairs of changing rooms (boys and girls) and the dimensioning of the sports field, with separate areas for basketball, volleyball and other sports, allows the simultaneous use of the sports hall by two or more school classes, or simultaneous use with athletes from the neighborhood. Local sports schools and dance groups also have a place here. The telescopic stands allow the hall to be used as a venue for performances, events, etc.

Expanded functional program
The planned functional elements allow the gym to be used as a sports hall for local and national championships, both in youth and school groups, as well as in amateur adult groups. The planned folding stands for 150 spectators, as well as the necessary toilets, coaches' and medical rooms are optimally used during competitions. The evacuation exits from the building are dimensioned according to these expected maximum visitor loads.

Our community sports hub

The new hall - an extension of the neighborhood space
There are no barriers in front of the entrance, such as steps and ramps. The new sports building is equally accessible to people with disabilities, mothers with strollers and all residents of the neighborhood. Convenient parking facilitates access to the site. A bicycle rack is also provided for visitors to the site.

Always open and working
The inclusion of the neighborhood community, through a separate entrance, allows for an increase in the hours of the day in which the building is used. This improves the economic efficiency of the investment for the community. The different modes of use are possible thanks to the flexible functional layout.

Built on-site, not endlessly under construction

Break-time building
A major problem in protecting the public interest when investing in the educational environment is the relatively long process of building school facilities, as well as the lack of a rational guarantee for meeting the construction deadline. The cost of construction is important, but no less important is the duration of the construction of the site and in two directions: First - every month of longer construction leads to a month's delay in the adequate use of the building by the school, and Second - every month of construction makes the surrounding public space unsuitable for normal use, which creates additional difficulties for everyone.
This can be greatly changed by choosing an approach for the delivery and assembly of the building - i.e. implementation of a solution with ready-made elements of all types - structural, facade, cladding, furniture elements, etc.
Unlike conventional on-site construction, all prefabricated elements are manufactured in factories, which allows for better workmanship, higher quality and expected longer service life. Proper planning of the process would allow the construction site to be opened when the main elements are already ready for assembly and installation, in order to reduce "disruptions" in the educational process.

Limited impact zone
The construction work zone is limited and allows for the simultaneous construction and operation of the school. The constructed extension meets all requirements for earthquake and fire resistance.

Prefabricated structural system
Manufactured in a factory, with large support distances and a long service life, with a short installation time. An additional plus is the reduction of carbon emissions in the production of prefabricated reinforced concrete elements compared to "poured" concrete on site.
- vertical load-bearing reinforced concrete columns and prestressed reinforced concrete beams
- prefabricated roof panel reinforced concrete TT elements for the low body, with monolithic and bituminous waterproofing
- prefabricated roof reinforced concrete beams for the roof structure, with aluminum-zinc arches and integrated roof glazing for natural lighting.

Prefabricated facade systems
- Translucent suspended facade made of glass profile and facade panels - an element facade cladding, manufactured in a factory.
- Roof photovoltaic power plant for own needs

Building ready for use
Dozens of months earlier compared to conventional construction. Within a single summer vacation.

A multi-use sports hall with spectator gallery

Telescopic retractable stands
When dividing into two training fields, the stands are retracted for basketball and volleyball training. During a competition, in a central field, the stands allow for the placement of about 150 spectators, with optimal visibility from the seats.

Integrated roof air conditioning system without air ducts
The use of a roof air conditioner for supplying fresh and drawing in stale air allows for the avoidance of "bulky" air ducts. The system provides heating and cooling of the supplied fresh air, with a highly efficient heat exchanger and saves energy through recuperation.

Sustainable climate control through natural means

Natural ventilation
The "open plan" and simplified prefabricated construction solution allow for the design and construction of a natural ventilation system, carried out through the heating and ventilation module - free cooling.

Natural lighting
The translucent glass profile element facade, combined with the integrated roof glazing, allows for the penetration of uniform light deep into the hall, eliminating the need for artificial lighting for most of the day. The proven effect of "cleansing" the environment from mold and other pathogenic organisms turns natural light from a desired to a mandatory element of a healthy interior.

Natural air conditioning
The "winter garden" effect, with the low winter sun, reduces the need for additional heating of the spaces during the cold months of the year. The combination of natural air conditioning and ventilation and natural lighting ensures the achievement of a healthy living environment and reduces the carbon footprint of the building. All this is achieved without compromising the thermal performance of the facade and roof.

Utilizing Solar Energy
The roof plane of the hall space allows for the placement of photovoltaic elements facing south. The resulting photovoltaic power plant will be used to cover the operating needs of the building, especially during daylight hours and in the summer when the installation will operate at full capacity.
In the future, the plant can be combined with an adequate energy storage system, allowing for unlimited use of solar energy around the clock.
In addition to the direct energy effect, solar energy also plays a role in creating thermal convection, which supports natural ventilation.

A Play Space for Everyone: Open Sports Zone

Benefits for students

Promotes physical activity and improves overall health: Regular physical activity is crucial for children and adolescents' physical and mental development. A good sports facility encourages students to be active, leading to improved cardiovascular health, stronger bones and muscles, and reduced risk of obesity and other health problems.
Offers opportunities for students to develop their athletic skills and talents: A well-equipped sports facility provides a space for students to try different sports, practice their skills, and discover hidden talents. It can also be a training ground for aspiring athletes who want to pursue their sport at a higher level.
Provides a venue for inter-school competitions and events: Having a dedicated sports facility makes it easier to host inter-school competitions, tournaments, and other events. This fosters a sense of community and school spirit, and gives students a chance to showcase their skills and compete in a healthy environment.
Develops teamwork and sportsmanship: Team sports teach students the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and communication. They also learn about sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for opponents.
Boosts self-confidence and self-esteem: Participating in sports can help students build self-confidence and self-esteem as they improve their skills and achieve their goals.
Provides a healthy outlet for stress and energy: Physical activity is a great way for students to relieve stress and burn off excess energy. This can be especially important for students who are feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork or other pressures.
Encourages social interaction and inclusion: Sports can be a great way for students to socialize with their peers and make new friends. Inclusive sports programs can also help students with disabilities feel included and participate in school activities.

Benefits for the Community

Improved Physical Health: Access to quality sports facilities encourages community members of all ages to be physically active. This leads to numerous health benefits, including: - Reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Weight management and improved metabolism.
- Stronger bones and muscles, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
- Increased life expectancy.
Improved Mental Health: Exercise is a natural mood booster and stress reliever. Regular physical activity can help to:
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Improve sleep quality.
- Enhance cognitive function and memory.
- Boost self-esteem and confidence.
Community Cohesion: Shared sports facilities create a central hub for community gatherings and activities. This fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens social connections by:
- Providing opportunities for people of different ages and backgrounds to interact.
- Creating a sense of shared pride in the community.
- Offering positive activities for youth, reducing the likelihood of them engaging in risky behaviors.
- Providing a venue for community events, celebrations, and festivals.
Economic Benefits: New or improved sports facilities can attract visitors and tournaments, boosting the local economy. They can also increase property values in the surrounding area.
Reduced Crime Rates: Providing positive recreational activities, especially for young people, can help to reduce crime and delinquency.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Access to recreational facilities improves the overall quality of life for residents, making the community a more attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.