Inaugurated in 1971, the Grande Nef of the Île-des-Vannes sports complex - designed by Anatole Kopp, Lucien Metrich, and Pierre Chazanoff - is quite the technical feat from an engineering and statics point of view. As the centerpiece of the sports center, the Grande Nef looks comes across as an overturned boat, blending in perfectly with the site's river landscape. In 2007, this building, which defies the limits of its material composition, was labeled "20th Century Heritage" by the Ministry of Culture and was listed in the complementary inventory of historical monuments.

Absent renovation since its opening, and having soon become obsolete in terms of energy-efficiency and accessibility, as well as porosity and comfort, the sports complex was closed in 2014. The challenge of its renovation stems from the organisation of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Grande Nef of Île-des-Vannes and its “Building A” annex will be used as a training site before and during the competition phase. Following this international event, the venues will reassume their originally intended role.

In order for the Grande Nef to regain its initial function, we have planned a complete restoration of its concrete, as well as the installation of a double translucent polycarbonate skin on the side facades of the structure; this will provide a regularization of sunshine. The roof’s new insulation will be topped with a synthetic membrane allowing for better thermal and acoustic comfort. The leveling of the plot, as well as the installation of elevators and ramps, will be carried out so as to ensure universal accessibility of the site.

The renovation will provide current energy solutions and universal accessibility, all while preserving the techniques and historical materiality of the 1970s project.

The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games provided the necessary momentum for the enhancement of the Île-des-Vannes sports complex, be it its technical feats from the 70s, its location, or its visibility. A genuine vehicle for accelerating communal integration, the site will then be returned to the municipality of Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine (its owner) and the various athletic uses will constitute a new center of attraction.

Location
Île-Saint-Denis

Project type
Renovation

Program
Sport

Project owner
SOLIDEO

Team
Chatillon Architectes

Budget
8 M€ (excl. VAT)

Timeline
2020-2024