![Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Monconseil-Sports-Hall-by-Explorations-Architecture_05a.jpg)
Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture
French studio Explorations Architecture have completed a sports hall in Tours, France, with a curving timber roof that sags in the middle.
![Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Monconseil-Sports-Hall-by-Explorations-Architecture_02b.jpg)
The entire north facade of the Monconseil Sports Hall is glazed to maximise natural light, while timber batons shade the south facade from direct sunlight.
![Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Monconseil-Sports-Hall-by-Explorations-Architecture_01a.jpg)
The suspended roof spans the 50 metre-wide hall, which can seat up to 700 spectators.
![Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Monconseil-Sports-Hall-by-Explorations-Architecture_04.jpg)
The building provides a venue for sports that include basketball, handball, volleyball and gymnastics.
![Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Monconseil-Sports-Hall-by-Explorations-Architecture_06.jpg)
Back in 2008, Explorations Architecture designed an entrance-pavilion for the Chateau de Versailles - see the story here.
![Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Monconseil-Sports-Hall-by-Explorations-Architecture_07.jpg)
Other public sports halls on Dezeen include one near Sydney with a steel shell exterior and another in California supported by exposed fir trusses - click here to see more stories relating to sports.
![Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Monconseil-Sports-Hall-by-Explorations-Architecture_08.jpg)
Photography is by Michel Denancé.
![Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Monconseil-Sports-Hall-by-Explorations-Architecture_03.jpg)
Here's a short description of the project from Explorations Architecture:
Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture
Explorations architecture has just completed the Monconseil sports hall in Tours, 150km southwest of Paris.
![Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Monconseil-Sports-Hall-by-Explorations-Architecture_10.gif)
This public building is exemplary of Explorations’ approach to sustainable design.
![Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Monconseil-Sports-Hall-by-Explorations-Architecture_11.gif)
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The project emphasis is on natural light, the innovative use of natural materials and renewable energy:
![Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Monconseil-Sports-Hall-by-Explorations-Architecture_12.gif)
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1. The northern facade is fully glazed in order to avoid the use of electrical lighting in the main hall.
![Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Monconseil-Sports-Hall-by-Explorations-Architecture_13.gif)
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2. The composite suspended timber/steel roof spans close to 50m to allow for future uses.
![Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Monconseil-Sports-Hall-by-Explorations-Architecture_14.gif)
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3. The southern facade is clad with a photovoltaic “brise-soleil” in order to reduce energy consumption from the grid.
![Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture Monconseil Sports Hall by Explorations Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Monconseil-Sports-Hall-by-Explorations-Architecture_15.gif)
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Design team: Explorations architecture + Integrale 4 engineers
Client: City of Tours
Brief: Sports hall (basketball, handball, volleyball, gymnastics) with 700 seating
Net Area: 2700 m²
Cost: 5m €
Timeframe: 2006-2011