Wood takes center stage in the new Ring Pass Delft clubhouse
When does wood become more than just a building material? At the new clubhouse for Ring Pass Delft it is becoming increasingly clear. Construction is in full swing, and the timber structural frame is now clearly visible. The design brings together construction, aesthetics, and functionality: wood supports the building, defines its character, and contributes to comfort both inside and out.
Timber construction as part of the architecture
At the new biobased sports complex for Ring Pass Delft wood is not a finish added to the design later. It forms an essential part of the architecture itself.
Glulam beams, timber columns, and CLT elements come together in a clear structural framework. This structure is intentionally left exposed. Inside, the wood provides warmth and atmosphere, while outside, it helps define the rhythm and appearance of the clubhouse.
This aligns the project with our broader approach to timber construction and biobased building: approaching material, construction, and architecture as a single design challenge from the very beginning.
Large overhangs for comfort and character
A striking feature of the design is the large timber overhangs. They give the new clubhouse a recognizable silhouette while serving a practical purpose. They provide shelter and shade when the sun is high, while allowing the lower winter sun to penetrate deeper into the building.
The building and its surroundings are connected in other ways as well. The design for the sports complex includes greenery, water retention, and a focus on biodiversity. This creates a place where nature-inclusive and climate-adaptive design goes hand in hand with sports and social interaction. Ring Pass highlights features such as a green roof, water collection, and facilities for birds and bats.
Building a new clubhouse together
Urban Climate Architects is collaborating on the clubhouse with Fokkema & Partners Architecten and SMnL Architects. Eekhout VITO is constructing the building, and Ekoflin is working on the timber structure.
It is precisely in this collaboration that the potential of timber construction becomes clear when design and execution are closely aligned. What was once on the drawing board is now literally taking shape on the construction site.
For us, that is the power of sustainable timber architecture: not using one material as an end in itself, but creating a building where construction, aesthetics, climate, and usage reinforce one another.
View the full project: A biobased sports complex where sport, nature, and sustainability converge – Ring Pass Delft.
