Stuttgart Athletikhalle des VfB, Stuttgart, Germany

The new athletics hall offers the VFB soccer pros space for strength and endurance training, including an artificial turf running track. The hall is of timber construction and has a partial basement, with space for technical equipment. On the first floor there is a weight room and a special 'altitude room' for hypoxia training, in which the air contains less oxygen, simulating spending time at high altitudes. On the upper floor there is an office space with four workstations and a yoga room.
The analysis of the prevailing climate at the location was essential for the overall planning. The individually tailored energy concept was developed and the renewable energy sources available on site were determined based on the initial studies.
A reversible air-to-water heat pump cascade is used to generate cooling and heating. The cascading system ensures the simultaneous heating and cooling requirements of the altitude training facility.
The green roof of the athletics hall is covered with photovoltaic panels. They generate the electrical energy required for operation.
In addition to the passive measures, an active cooling system was planned to ensure a high level of room comfort all year round. Transsolar used thermal simulation to determine the cooling load for the gym and the yoga room.
Operable windows in all areas allow natural ventilation. Shock ventilation reduces the amount of air that the mechanical ventilation system must provide. Night air flushing is possible via openable window areas, which ensures a lower cooling requirement during the time of use. The simulations have shown that the time during which the building can be sufficiently ventilated purely naturally accounts for 40% of a year.
In the building, hybrid ventilation minimizes ventilation heat losses in winter. It guarantees high air quality independently of window ventilation and is designed for hygienic comfort. This applies in particular to the increased demand for fresh air during exercise. In the fitness room, underfloor convectors provide low-velocity supply air. Due to their proximity to the façade, they counteract the drop in cold air at the high window fronts.
Underfloor heating, which can also be used for cooling, is used for room conditioning in the gym. A recirculating air-cooling unit is only used when a higher cooling capacity is required.
Radiators are used to heat the office. To ensure that the specific room requirements in the ‘altitude room’ can be met as fast as possible, air circulation units for heating and cooling are installed there in addition to the underfloor heating. During active altitude training, the air circulation units are used for dehumidification and provide the option of heat training.
Domestic hot water is heated by decentralized electric instantaneous water heaters due to the low hot water requirement and to avoid heat loss from the pipes.