Wolfgang Meraner and Martin Mutschlechner: Vertikale

The Italian architects' new sports complex in Northern Italy features a striking climbing wall inside a partially transparent volume, offering privileged views of the nearby square and park.

Vahrn-based architecture studio Wolfgang Meraner Architekt and architect Martin Mutschlechner of StadtLABOR have recently completed a sports complex in the city of Bressanone, northern Italy. Designing a partially transparent volume, the surrounding nature and landscape are transported inside the building, while simultaneously creating sweeping views over the city.

The building's façade is composed of a series of layers, determining a dynamic confrontation between visitors both inside and outside with a "rock" wall. "In the design of the rock wall, the fundamental elements are connected to ecology and sustainability," the architects explain. "These were addressed in a precise, detailed design, and a multi-layered façade, ideal for ventilation and energy saving". Thanks to the use of solar energy alongside the façade's outer layer — which changes according to the seasons —, the construction of a mechanical cooling system was avoided.

The sports complex is connected to the city through a new square in the south side. In the north side, the volume is connected to a city park, and a new access to an underground parking lot is planned for the future.

The climbing wall constitutes a distinctive feature of the building, and offers privileged views of the nearby square and park. Simultaneously, it allows views of all the complex's interiors. The wall can be used by amateurs or professional climbers, in competitions and training sessions.
Top: Wolfgang Meraner and Martin Mutschlechner, <em>Vertikale</em>, sports complex featuring a climbing wall, Bressanone, Italy 2012. Above: Photo courtesy Richard Wett
Top: Wolfgang Meraner and Martin Mutschlechner, Vertikale, sports complex featuring a climbing wall, Bressanone, Italy 2012. Above: Photo courtesy Richard Wett
Wolfgang Meraner Architekt and Martin Mutschlechner: Vertikale, sports complex
Architects: Wolfgang Meraner, Martin Mutschlechner
Collaborators: Heidi Kramer, BSc Arch Alexander Gatterer
Completion: 2012
Wolfgang Meraner and Martin Mutschlechner, <em>Vertikale</em>, sports complex featuring a climbing wall, Bressanone, Italy 2012
Wolfgang Meraner and Martin Mutschlechner, Vertikale, sports complex featuring a climbing wall, Bressanone, Italy 2012
Wolfgang Meraner and Martin Mutschlechner, <em>Vertikale</em>, sports complex featuring a climbing wall, Bressanone, Italy 2012
Wolfgang Meraner and Martin Mutschlechner, Vertikale, sports complex featuring a climbing wall, Bressanone, Italy 2012
Wolfgang Meraner and Martin Mutschlechner, <em>Vertikale</em>, sports complex featuring a climbing wall, Bressanone, Italy 2012
Wolfgang Meraner and Martin Mutschlechner, Vertikale, sports complex featuring a climbing wall, Bressanone, Italy 2012
Wolfgang Meraner and Martin Mutschlechner, <em>Vertikale</em>, sports complex featuring a climbing wall, Bressanone, Italy 2012
Wolfgang Meraner and Martin Mutschlechner, Vertikale, sports complex featuring a climbing wall, Bressanone, Italy 2012

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