Bogdan & Van Broeck architects

The Bakala Academy . Leuven

BOGDAN & VAN BROECK ARCHITECTS . Ney and Partners

The Bakala Academy is the result of a public-private partnership between the University of Leuven and the cycling team Omega-Pharma Quickstep with the aim of building a state of the art research and testing centre at University of Leuven’s sport campus

This centre will primarily focus on endurance sports such as cycling and triathlon. On the ground floor, the building houses a test and research facility and on first floor a high altitude simulation centre with sleeping and living areas for up to twelve riders or athletes from other sports.
The floor plan is of circular shape with an offset inner circular courtyard creating a dynamic building. To maximise the interaction between inside and outside spaces as much as possible, the construction relies on a limited number of load-bearing walls. Apart from the walls around the core and two additional walls required for wind stability, this transparency is uninterrupted. To optimise the glazing of the façade, slender steel columns at two metre centres support the slab above. The slab itself spans in two directions, from façade to facade, without beams, so as to not interfere with building services. This structure allows for an open plan occupation and great flexibility in layout.