The consortium led by Bouygues Batiment Ile de France with Dalkia and Récréa for operation, architects VenhoevenCS, Atelier 2/3/4, and schlaich bergermann partner for the design of the structures and facades, has won the competition for the much-anticipated Olympic Aquatics Center (CAO) for the 2024 Paris Games.
The sports center features technical innovations and ambitious structural works – including the 89 m long timber catenary roof as well as the 18 m wide footbridge, connecting the building to the famous Stade de France. The multifunctional venue in Olympic configuration accommodates a 50 m pool as well as a diving pool. With a capacity of 6,000 spectators, it will host the competitions in water polo, diving, and synchronized swimming, and will later be transformed into a boccia stadium for the Paralympics.
For the roof structure, a design was chosen that closely follows the dimensions and clear heights to be respected above the pools and stands. The curved concave shape of the roof allows for a significant reduction of the hall’s volume and thus of the energy expenditure for heating. The catenary shape of the roof also allows for a very optimized use of materials. All the visible structural elements in the hall are made of timber, supporting loads up to 800 tons.
