Changing rooms and clubhouses are essential components of a sports facility and can legitimately benefit from the advantages of timber construction. For local authorities as well as for private companies, the choice of a wooden construction is accompanied by significant benefits for the changing rooms and/or the club-house part of the sports facility.

 

THE BENEFITS OF TIMBER CONSTRUCTION FOR THE CLUBHOUSE

You can’t imagine your sports complex without the presence of a clubhouse? As a place of conviviality where sportsmen and sportswomen and their relatives meet after a match, generally over a drink or a meal, the clubhouse can hardly be removed from a sports hall. In this field, it is not uncommon to see some sportsmen and women choosing a sports hall or club on the basis of the quality of this famous clubhouse.
Therefore, the construction of a clubhouse must meet all the requirements formulated both by the sportsmen themselves and by the local authorities or private companies behind the project. In this context, timber construction offers many advantages. The construction of a clubhouse in wood construction allows in particular:

• To take advantage of the aesthetic qualities of wood as a noble and authentic material;
• To take advantage of the acoustic performance of wood, with a reduction in resonance phenomena and the reduction of the “ambient noise” effect often found in “traditional” clubhouses;
• To enjoy a comfortable interior temperature, thanks to the low thermal inertia of the wood construction, both in winter and in summer;
• To benefit from a robust and easy to maintain place of conviviality.

 

THE BENEFITS OF TIMBER CONSTRUCTION ON THE CHANGING ROOMS

Before entering the clubhouse, the majority of sportsmen and women use another essential space in a sports arena: the changing room. The changing room is a very busy place, often subject to the critical gaze of its users, where they exchange their street clothes for their sports clothes and take a shower after exercise before going home or back to work. As with the clubhouse, the use of wood as a material for the construction of a changing room has many advantages, including:

• An aesthetic setting highlighted by the warm and authentic character of wood;
• A better management of the interior temperature, thanks to the natural properties of wood as an insulating material;
• Better regulation of humidity, thanks to the self-regulating properties of wood, with the possibility of guaranteeing a healthier environment and more pleasant air to breathe, in a context of humidity and water vapours;
• Robustness and ease of maintenance for highly frequented places where cleanliness and hygiene must be paramount.

 

SMC2’S EXPERTISE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF CHANGING ROOMS AND WOODEN CLUBHOUSES

SMC2 has a great deal of expertise in the construction of changing rooms, clubhouses, covered stands and, more generally, wooden sports facilities. We can help you with your clubhouse or customised changing room project. Accustomed to meeting the requirements of companies and local authorities, our teams ensure that the clubhouse and/or changing rooms of your sports facility benefit from all the advantages associated with timber construction.

Beyond the simple comfort issues, the SMC2 teams will explain the financial benefits of timber construction. Compared to “traditional” construction, timber construction for sports facilities brings savings, both at the time of construction and in the cost of using the building throughout its life. With timber construction, the time required to create a clubhouse or changing room is also shortened (construction based on the dry method, prefabricated elements in the factory, etc.), saving time and money.

Reinvented and modernised, playgrounds are now more than ever an essential part of urban fabric. Their construction and layout should therefore not be taken lightly: play is serious business!

 

THE ROLE OF PLAYGROUNDS IN THE URBAN FABRIC

Installed in the parks and gardens of every town and village in France, playgrounds are children’s territory. They are a place where the youngest children learn to socialise: they learn to walk, run and climb there, but also to imagine and interact with others. Playgrounds are a place where several generations come together to maintain neighbourhood or village life.
Playgrounds have significantly changed over the past few years, becoming complete play areas, play universes where children’s imaginations and senses are stimulated. Today, they must be able to accommodate a wide variety of users: toddlers, children, teenagers and parents. Many towns and cities therefore naturally look to playgrounds to transform neighbourhoods and make them more convivial and family-friendly.
At SMC2, we understand these new issues! The proof is in our innovative and design playgrounds that offer games suitable for all age groups.

 

GAMES DESIGNED FOR ALL AGE GROUPS

When we design and build playgrounds, they are designed to adapt to all location configurations, but also to different age groups:

• 0-4 years old – where play is mainly about discovering the environment under parental supervision;
• 4-7 years old – where play is much more active and requires space and complex equipment;
• 7-12 years old – where play is a group dynamic with organised activities.

Running, jumping, climbing, crawling, sliding, our playgrounds are ideal for developing children’s physical abilities and imaginations and allowing them to develop to their fullest potential.

Our playground concept allows for an infinite combination of different play elements (climbing walls, turnstiles, swings, mazes, etc.) to create a unique universe that adapts to target audiences.

Forget the basic frame and the boring slide! Today’s playgrounds are modern and complex play areas, fully fledged living spaces.

 

SAFETY AND ECO-CONSTRUCTION: THE ISSUES

Among today’s playground expectations, there are two main issues: equipment safety and the low ecological impact of the construction.
SMC2 specialises in eco-responsible construction, including sustainable and environmentally friendly materials such as textile membranes and timber. We can therefore support you in the creation of playgrounds that meet the expectations of your citizens or visitors in terms of ecological exemplariness.

Even if playgrounds are supposed to be pleasant to use, welcoming and environmentally friendly, their first property must remain the safety they provide children. There are still many playground accidents. Even if some are due to lack of maintenance or poor supervision of children* , some are also caused by poor design. In addition to applying government recommendations on playgrounds, playgrounds should also be designed to reduce the risk of falls, impacts, etc. In particular, they should:

• Offer ground coverings that cushion falls;
• Create equipment that is easy to maintain;
• Guarantee the durability of the games and the materials used;
• Delineate the different play areas to avoid collisions, especially with swings, which are at the origin of 40% of fall accidents in playgrounds in England.

To find out more about playground construction that is both fun and safe, get in touch with our team!

https://www.rospa.com/play-safety/advice/playground-accidents

 

WHAT IS PADEL?

Padel is a racket sport that is played in doubles on a 20×10 metre court. Players are separated by a net and surrounded by glazed walls, 4 metres at the back of the court and 3 metres on the sides. The glazing always sends the ball back and allows players to send it back, which significantly increases effective playing time. Two winning sets are needed and points are counted in the same way as in tennis, with the same services.

 

A HYBRID SPORT FROM MEXICO AND SPAIN

Padel was invented in 1974 by Enrique Corcuera in Mexico. This amateur tennis player is said to have added walls to his court to isolate it from vegetation and to avoid constantly having to chase after balls. He then discovered a new way to play, using the walls to rebound. He then created rackets and specific rules for the game he invented.
Padel rackets are smaller than tennis rackets and have no strings. The soft racket surface (FOAM or E.V.A. rubber) is perforated. Padel balls, although visually similar to tennis balls, are actually softer and smaller.

The sport then quickly arrived in Spain thanks to Enrique Corcuera’s friends who were won over by the game. If the evolution of the number of players was slow at first, everything began speeding up in the 2000s and the popularity of paddle ball exploded. Currently the International Padel Federation has 300,000 licensees and over 12,000,000 active players worldwide!

 

PADEL, A FUN SPORT ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

Mid-way between squash and tennis, padel is a racket sport that is increasingly popular, with around 50,000 players today. Why is it popular? The very playful aspect of this sport, the simplicity of the game which leaves great freedom on the court, and its accessibility to beginners.
In padel, even newbie players can have long exchanges. The walls, the shorter court, and the service that starts the match make the games more fun and more rhythmic.

Although accessible to all, padel is also a technical sport which offers great freedom of play and a variety of shots thanks to the possible rebounds off the windows. Bandeja, sliced smash, lifted smash, return, lob: no risk of getting bored during a padel match, the different shots just keep coming. Exchanges therefore quickly become very spectacular!

 

PADEL HALLS AND COURTS: FEATURES AND LAYOUT

Since its arrival in France, padel has been in the news all the time and the construction of padel courts is increasing all over France. Demand is high and the number of players is constantly increasing, so we must give everyone the means to play.

Today there are two types of padel courts: indoor courts and outdoor courts.
Covered padel courts have the advantage of providing a place to play regardless of the weather.

To play in the best conditions, weather is not the only factor to take into account. For a padel court, the best height is 8 metres to stop the ball from touching the ceiling after a lob.

Controlled temperature, pleasant luminosity, limited echo, ideal height, ecological exemplariness: today, SMC2 padel court constructions are at the cutting edge of technology for unequalled playing comfort. Feel free to request a quote online for your padel court construction project.

As a specialist in textile construction (and wood construction), SMC2 has been promoting the advantages of this type of construction ever since its foundation.

The advantages of textile construction are :

• The use of ecological and recyclable materials
• A reduction in energy costs;
• Better acoustic, thermal and lighting comfort;
• Reduced manufacturing costs;
• Modern and airy architecture.

Zoom in on the advantages of textile construction, which has been advocated and mastered for over 20 years by the SMC2 teams.

 

TEXTILE CONSTRUCTION: FOR AN ECOLOGICAL CONSTRUCTION

In a global context focused on environmental issues and preservation of the environment, many local authorities and private companies are investing in the search for eco-responsible construction.
For the construction of gymnasiums, sports halls and industrial warehouses, it is now a question of using ecological, sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials. Already a specialist in wood construction, an excellent natural material, SMC2 has been working for several years to integrate textile construction on its sites. The main objective: to deliver environmentally friendly buildings. From the choice of materials to the implementation of the construction sites and the management of energy during the operation of the buildings, SMC2 applies itself on a daily basis to reduce the environmental impact of your construction projects to a minimum.

 

TEXTILE CONSTRUCTION: FOR ECONOMICAL CONSTRUCTION

In another context, economic this time, marked by difficulties to release the necessary budgets for the construction of sports infrastructures or industrial buildings, textile construction highlights another of its strong points: its accessible cost.
Buildings covered with textile membranes appear today to be less expensive than buildings constructed using traditional solutions. Both during construction and operation, a building for which textile architecture has been chosen meets these budgetary constraints perfectly. Thanks to its expertise, SMC2 has been able to put in place efficient and sustainable processes to combine construction, environment and savings.

 

TEXTILE CONSTRUCTION: FOR A MORE COMFORTABLE CONSTRUCTION

The third advantage of textile construction is the level of comfort offered by the choice of a textile cover. In order to meet your expectations and those of your teams, SMC2 details the different contributions of textile construction in terms of comfort, with three main priorities:

• Optimal light supply with natural, zenithal lighting, without dark or glaring areas;
• Better acoustic comfort thanks to sound absorption and a significant reduction in possible noise pollution;
• Better indoor temperature management thanks to low thermal inertia, making it easier to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year.

 

TEXTILE CONSTRUCTION: FOR AN AESTHETICALLY MODERN CONSTRUCTION

The final advantage of textile construction is the aesthetic criterion. Combined with the creativity of our design office, the characteristics of textile construction finally make it possible to give life to buildings with a contemporary architecture.

This prestigious technology is at the origin of some of the most original textile roofs and facades (please see our Achievements section to see some examples). Far from resembling traditional constructions, the constructions based on textile architecture and proposed by the SMC2 company are thus used to deliver sports and leisure complexes or industrial warehouses resolutely inscribed in modernity. All are designed to integrate harmoniously into their environment and to meet the architectural requirements of their future owners. For a construction that is environmentally friendly, economical and comfortable to use, choose textile construction and let SMC2’s expertise guide you.

In a sometimes tense economic context, the construction of a building or a sports facility is very often the subject of a rigorous budgetary study. While many clients want to save on the cost of construction, few are willing to accept a reduction in the quality of the construction. With its many advantages, timber construction seems to be the ideal solution for solving this savings/quality equation!

 

Timber construction: significant savings

As an alternative to traditional construction, timber construction is appealing to many companies and local authorities wishing to invest in cost-effective infrastructure (warehouses, sports halls, etc.). The good news is that timber construction allows you to make savings in two stages: first on the cost of construction, then on the cost of use.

Savings on construction costs

Timber construction is part of what is known as the “dry sector”. This is an environmentally friendly construction method, which results in the following on site :

• Greater speed of execution: the dry method does not, by definition, use water, and therefore eliminates the various drying times between the stages of construction;
• More precision in construction;
• The upstream preparation of the construction elements, prefabricated in the factory, for a much faster implementation on site.

Compared to the traditional (or “wet”) construction method, the dry construction method reduces the amount of money spent on construction. With timber construction, the adage “time is money” takes on its full meaning, as the shorter construction time saves you both time and money.

Savings on the cost of use

For a long time presented as a noble, ecological and aesthetic material, wood has other advantages when it comes to construction: it is energy-efficient. Combined with other materials such as textile roofing, wood construction allows savings to be made throughout the operation of the building, significantly reducing the energy bill. Just one point to illustrate these possible savings in running costs: wood is up to 20 times more insulating than concrete!

 

Wooden construction: superior quality and maximum comfort

Already environmentally responsible and economical in terms of energy and budget, timber construction also offers great architectural freedom. Today, it is possible to imagine a wooden construction on all types of land, with a contemporary or innovative design. Wooden construction can be clad with all kinds of materials (metal, glass, brick, etc.) and meets all aesthetic requirements.

On the inside, the insulating properties of wood guarantee airtightness and better regulation of hygrometry. Very popular for the design of passive buildings, timber construction is also attractive to all those who are looking for a healthy building with very low energy consumption and high thermal comfort. The warmth and sense of well-being that wood construction creates for both users and people who come across the building in their daily environment is also worth mentioning.

 

SMC2 expertise for your timber construction

SMC2 has been an expert in the construction of wooden buildings since its creation, and assists all companies and local authorities in the design of wooden buildings with a twofold objective: to control costs and to offer a superior quality of finish. The know-how of our teams and the creativity of our professionals enable us to satisfy all the needs and requirements of our clients in this field.

PLAYGROUNDS TO EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH THE FAMILY

Located in the heart of cities, playgrounds are the territory of young children. Through the natural and fanciful worlds of our play equipment, we help them build their imagination. Totems, clouds, pebbles or even huts, our innovative structures with their elegant design, offer children a vast field of exploration.

The playground is a space where several generations rub shoulders, since it welcomes toddlers, young children, teenagers, but also parents and grandparents.

We have therefore designed the construction of our play areas so that, on the one hand, the different age groups can interact. And on the other hand, so that accompanying adults are no longer mere spectators, but can also explore the world alongside the children.

PLAYGROUNDS DESIGNED FOR ALL AGES

Nous avons à cœur de proposer des aires de jeux qui répondent aux besoins de tous les enfants, en fonction de leur âge.

• Between 0 and 4 years old: the youngest children observe the environment and discover their senses, with parental guidance.
• Between the ages of 4 and 7: play becomes more physical and interaction with others becomes more present. The child needs more complex structures to develop his or her creativity and imagination.
• Between 7 and 12 years: Group dynamics are very present at this time. Activities are structured, organised and role-playing is important.
• 12 years and over: children like physical games, exercise and group play.

All our playgrounds allow children to observe, act and interact. They are play areas that accompany the youngest in the construction of their imagination, but also in the various stages of their development. They will be able to run, jump, climb, contemplate, crawl or slide on the structures put at their disposal. We offer different courses according to age, adapted to the children’s motor skills and physical abilities.

Slides, tunnels, ropes, nets, firemen’s poles, mazes, sensory areas: budding adventurers will be spoilt for choice, with all the play elements to be combined endlessly!

PLAYGROUNDS WITH A FANTASY AND NATURAL WORLD

Our play areas are based on 4 main themes, reminiscent of nature, which you can combine with each other:

• Clouds : an elegant and aerial design, which can be placed in a school or in the centre of a square. The clouds can be combined in different ways and can accommodate various play elements, depending on the age group.
• Totem poles : the totem pole structure, which can be used in all weathers, gives children’s activities an extra dimension and revolutionises the way they play.
• Huts: building a hut is a must for children. We wanted to offer them shelters, which allow both the older children to practice a sporting activity and the younger ones to explore.
• Pebbles: designed to introduce a course, to link different modules or to play alone, pebbles can be integrated everywhere.

We pay particular attention to the ecological impact of our play areas. This is why we use as much as possible sustainable, environmentally friendly materials with a reasonable footprint.

Finally, safety is an essential element in our constructions. We offer you equipment that is easy to maintain, resistant and laid on surfaces that cushion falls.

Contact the SMC2 experts to find out more, we are here to help you create a playground that is aesthetic, eco-responsible, safe and of course fun and original!

Plus d’informations:

Our play areas

Our play area in Avignon

Our realisation for a commercial center in Sierre (Swiss)

For several years now, we have been seeing growth in the construction of athletics halls that compete with traditional outdoor stadiums, the French Athletics Federation having understood the interest of these new infrastructures.

 

Athletics halls, ideal solutions for competitions

Fully covered and temperate if necessary, athletics halls make it possible to organise competitions in all weather, all year round, without needing to worry about weather conditions: rain, wind, cold, snow, sun… The biggest regional, national, European and even international athletics competitions can be organised there in the best conditions for athletes and the general public.

For example, the Miramas athletics hall which the SMC2 team designed and built in the Bouches-du-Rhône region of France, has already hosted several national and international competitions, such as the prestigious French Elite Championship in February 2019. It’s impossible to organise such large-scale events outdoors in the middle of winter, and the indoor stadium was the ideal solution.

The Miramas Métropole Stadium is one of the largest indoor athletics halls in Europe, which has the added advantage of bringing together in a single place:

• A running track;
• Jumps (high jump, long jump, triple jump and pole vault);
• Throwing facilities (hammer, javelin, shot put…) ;
• And a gymnasium for team sports competitions in particular.

A true all-in-one, which makes it possible to organise all athletics events in the same place and in the best conditions for the athletes.

The French Athletics Federation thus has a valuable tool for the organisation of major events bringing together the best athletes, with an excellent image of modernity and dynamism given to the various audiences: foreign federations, institutions, press and media, clubs, supporters, etc.

 

Modular spaces for athletics but not only

Athletics halls such as the one in Miramas also have the essential facilities and ancillary equipment:

• Large capacity bleachers for an audience ranging from 5,000 to more than 7,000 seats depending on the configuration;
• A reserved press area;
• Boxes for works committees;
• A VIP area.

Everything is there to guarantee that the organisation of meetings and competitions is a success at every level.

Furthermore, due to their design, the athletics halls are fully modular and can host sports competitions (individual and team sports) as well as shows and concerts. The venue is thus perfectly suited to the holding of different events depending on the needs.

 

Harmonious architecture for an exceptional structure

The Miramas athletics hall, which we built in partnership with Travaux du Midi (a subsidiary of Vinci Construction France), the Chabanne Architecte firm and the Serge Ferrari group, is a truly exceptional structure of impressive size: 130 metres long by 82 metres wide. It combines harmonious lines with a combination of sustainable materials to create a modern and ecological building.

The use of timber in the construction of the structure and framework is fully in line with an eco-responsible approach, and the textile membranes that cover the whole allow the diffusion of a very high quality, soft light that doesn’t dazzle.

The architectural lines and shapes of these halls also provide excellent thermal and acoustic qualities and perfectly merge into any outdoor urban environment.

To find out more about our expertise in the construction of athletics halls, contact us.