Sacrifice function to form? Out of the question! The Melvin Sports Complex in Northern Ireland successfully combines both requirements. Located in the town of Strabane in Northern Ireland, the Melvin Sports Complex needed urgent renovations.

The operation was led by McGurk Chartered Architects, who wanted to restore the centre's modern image while creating an extension that would include four new sports courts. “More globally, the project aimed to optimise the quality of the town's sporting infrastructure and allow it to host local and regional competitions,” explains architect Linton Selfridge.

For the extension, the architecture firm recommended using Danpalon® double-skin panels on the three main façades, starting at the height of the first storey (the lower section consists of masonry walls). “This translucent solution bathes the main space in diffused natural light. We also chose two different Danpalon® materials. The exterior surface is a crystal colour with a Softlite finish, while the interior colour is ice, also with a Softlite finish to limit the risk of glare,” explains the architect.

As well as the concept of user comfort, the firm also worked on the product's nocturnal presentation by incorporating several lighting effects into the extension's façades. At night, the Danpalon® comes to life in a decidedly futuristic way!