idis turato overlaps old and new with krk sports hall + square

idis turato overlaps old and new with krk sports hall + square
all images courtesy of idis turato

idis turato architects has completed a sports building and public square, helping to define a new focal point for the town of krk in croatia. preserving existing archaeological heritage found at the site, the project is part of an overall urban design scheme that seeks to combine existing structures with new developments. fostering greater connections between members of the community, the monolithic volume not only functions as a gym facility for school pupils, but can be used for cultural activities and public festivals. easily accessed through an underground corridor, the building opens its façade on the north-eastern corner out to a square in front. the public plaza is defined by both the new sports hall and the surrounding churches and monasteries.

during the demolition of an old student dormitory, important archaeological ruins were discovered that required preservation. the excavation of existing buildings resulted in the croatian firm’s structure emerging directly out of the restored, old elements, with the exterior edifice of the sports hall constructed from six impressively large concrete monoliths. the blocks were finished off with a layer of terrazzo – an ancient technique usually used for floor finishes, which requires hours of polishing by hand. while this sudden vertical application creates a shiny and finely shaded wall, its normal use on horizontal surfaces is re-contextualized for the surfaces of the public square.

overview of the old-town krk with the new sports hall on the right

view towards the hall from the old town’s gate

panoramic view of the square with the narrow alley formed by the hall and wall of the monastery

the folding façade reflects onto the square below

the large concrete monoliths are finished with a layer of terrazzo

old and new structures are combined

nighttime view of the sports hall

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