Sports facility with a timber roof structure
Pioneering project: Dounan Sports Centre in Taiwan
Location:
Dounan, Taiwan (TWN)
Client:
WoodTek Taiwan Co. LTD, Taichung City (TW)
Architecture:
Joe Shih (TW)
Structural engineering:
RJC Engineers (CA)
Timber construction:
Rubner Timber engineering
In the town of Dounan, Taiwan’s first sports facility with a roof structure built entirely of timber was erected – a truly pioneering project that, among other things, supports the national targets for decarbonising the construction sector. Rubner Ober-Grafendorf contributed to the project by producing 95 laminated timber arches.
The Dounan Sports Centre was designed for the benefit of the local community and, in addition to extensive green spaces with sunbathing areas, offers a 25-metre indoor pool, a 50-metre outdoor pool, badminton courts, fitness areas, retail spaces and a spacious spa area. The facility is directly accessible from the street, thereby not only promoting social interaction but also breathing new life into the neighbourhood.
The project stands out due to the use of a timber structure: a relative novelty for the construction of sports facilities with indoor swimming pools, where steel structures are usually employed. Wood proves to be significantly more corrosion-resistant than steel in chlorinated, damp environments. Furthermore, this renewable raw material is considered structurally very safe for large spans, such as those found at the Dounan Sports Centre. Last but not least, timber was also chosen for its positive effects on the indoor climate and acoustics – two factors that are particularly crucial in public buildings such as the Dounan Sports Centre.
For this project, we were responsible for manufacturing a total of 95 laminated timber arches for the roof structure. To this end, we processed more than 233 m³ of spruce glulam in visible-grade quality from sustainably managed forests at our factory.
All the material – including 252 purchased aluminium connectors for high load-bearing capacity and long-term stability – was shipped to Taiwan as heavy haulage. The delivery included beams up to 24 metres in length, making it the largest timber shipment ever transported to Taiwan.
The decision to use timber as the building material for the roof structure significantly reduced the need for high-emission materials such as steel and concrete, thereby aligning the project with Taiwan’s national targets for decarbonising the construction sector. Timber construction supports the circular economy, contributes to responsible forest management and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions. The Dounan Sports Centre has thus set new standards for sustainable construction in the public sector – and could serve as an inspiring model for further sports and leisure projects in the region in the future.
