Maeztu Basque Pelota Court | 2024

The project involves designing a Basque Pelota court and multi-purpose spaces in Aguilar de Codés, a small medieval town in Navarre at the foot of the Sierra de Codés mountain. The Town Council requested a court space adaptable for local festivities, a small public square with a performance kiosk, and additional facilities including a warehouse and changing rooms. The site provided is central to the town, sloping steeply north to south, bordered by Calle Mayor with traditional buildings to the north and Calle La Solana with scenic southern views. An old noble house in ruins on the site had to be replaced, with the new design echoing its appearance and incorporating its coat of arms.

The design was guided by the need for integration with the town’s character, avoiding the visual disruption often caused by rural Basque Pelota courts. To achieve these objectives, the project is deployed from two clear lines of action: the volume, worked essentially from the section; and the choice of materials and construction systems.

The building comprises a unified form with three interlinked elements: the court on the north side, a public square extending southward, and a lateral volume for the kiosk and changing rooms, which frames the square and provides road access to the court.

The site’s slope was leveraged to bury part of the court on the north side, reducing the building’s scale from Calle Mayor. The square, designed as a south-facing viewpoint, connects with the court via stands using the height difference. The access point aligns with the square’s level, blending seamlessly with the street’s topography and matching the height of the previous mansion.

Materials play a key role in the building’s integration. Structural walls, particularly for the court, are constructed from large prefabricated concrete panels exposed internally but clad externally with ashlars of sandstone. This stone, reflecting local architectural traditions, is arranged in a modern, horizontal pattern with varied sizes and a rough, gridded texture.

The roof structure and south gable use laminated wood. A substantial wooden truss spans the south face, eliminating internal supports to preserve views and traffic flow between the square and court. The truss anchors at the junction with the lateral kiosk volume, where a balcony ensures accessibility. The gable and adjacent kiosk facades are covered with corten steel frames and vertical slats, filtering sunlight while allowing light to enter. These metal elements also serve as operable panels for the kiosk, converting it into a stage for festivals. Corten steel complements the stone and is used for functional features like gutters and copings.

The court’s stone facades on Main Street and the entrance mimic the former mansion’s layout, with false openings mirroring its windows. One authentic opening, now a window, frames views of interior activity.

The interior court offers a protected, intimate atmosphere enhanced by wood accents for warmth and acoustics. Its connection to the square, inclusion of a tree, and panoramic views create a harmonious, inviting space for Aguilar de Codés’ residents, balancing tradition with modern functionality.

Category:Sports and RecreationLocation:Navarra, SpainArchitect: Víctor Larripa Artieda, SpainArchitecture Office:Víctor Larripa, VERNE ArquitecturaLead Architects:Víctor Larripa, Javier Martínez, Daniel Ruiz de GordejuelaDesign Team: Víctor Larripa, Javier Martínez, Daniel Ruiz de GordejuelaContractor:Erki ConstrucciónClient: Aguilar de Codés City CouncilOther:Alejandro MaortuaPhotographer: Pablo García Esparza