Architects: Architektūros linija
Area: 16500 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Norbert Tukaj
Manufacturers: Aurubis, Fundermax, Wienerberger, Alupro
Lead Architects: Gintaras Čaikauskas, Virginija Venckūnienė, Miroslaw Szejnicki, Paulius Petkus, Simonas Klezys, Tomas Segalis
Civil Engineering: Viltekta, Arūnas Žiūkas, Tamara Iljina, Ramutė Mazūrienė, Valentina Kuznečik, Gintaras Strazdas, Asta Kazickienė, Jaroslav Adamkovič
Town: Druskininkai
Country: Lithuania
Sportsmen Training Center, designed by Architektūros linija in Druskininkai, is Lithuania’s largest athlete training facility, seamlessly integrated into a fragile pine forest landscape. Its design balances functionality with the natural terrain, using varying-height gymnasiums to blend into the surroundings. A perspective-driven layout reduces the structure’s visual impact, while a colorful Olympic-themed horizontal strip at ground level further softens its scale. Natural copper cladding ensures durability against sap and pollen. The multipurpose hall adapts to different events, with a flexible curtain system enabling separate training areas or expanded seating for 600 spectators. The complex also features a hotel, rarefied air chambers, administrative spaces, an open football field with a covered 300-seat platform, and multiple sports courts.
Situated in a striking yet delicate natural setting surrounded by tall pine trees, this facility stands as the largest athlete training center in Lithuania. Its design carefully balances rational geometric forms with the functional demands of its typology while seamlessly integrating with the expressive terrain without disrupting the local context. The gymnasiums, designed with varying heights, do not overpower the surrounding environment but instead highlight its scenic beauty and grandeur.
Each successive building increases in size, and through the principles of perspective, this progression reduces the structure’s visual impact on its natural surroundings. A vibrant horizontal strip along the ground-level façade further draws attention, softening the perceived scale of the volumes while emphasizing the surrounding landscape.
The colorful strip along the ground floor is adorned with computer-generated graphics featuring the Olympic color palette. Due to the accumulation of sticky sap and pollen from the surrounding pine trees, natural copper was selected for the exterior, offering durability, longevity, and ease of maintenance. The large hall is designed for versatility, accommodating both practice sessions and sports competitions with a moderate number of spectators.
The gymnasium can be divided into two separate training areas by lowering specialized curtains. For larger competitions, these curtains can be raised, and additional seating can be unfolded, increasing the capacity to accommodate up to 600 spectators. The complex also includes a hotel, rarefied air chambers, catering facilities, and administrative spaces. Adjacent to the building, an open football field with a covered 300-seat platform, along with courts for various other sports activities, provides additional training and competition areas.
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Project Location
Address: Druskininkai, Druskininkai Municipality, Lithuania
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
