Athens, Greece
The Kyathos – Mass Timber Arena by KAAF Architects is a conceptual exploration of how mass timber can be used to create large, multifunctional public spaces with a focus on sustainability, innovative design, and aesthetic appeal.
The architectural design for the mass timber basketball arena with a composite timber load bearing system were developed after being directly commissioned by the Cultural and Athletic Organisation of Galatsi Municipality as a special building requiring specialised technical know-how and related research in timber construction.
As a example of the future of green architecture, showcasing how renewable materials and bold design can come together to produce functional, environmentally responsible, the Kyathos Mass Timber arena has been awarded a 2024 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The construction schedule for the mass timber arena includes the main basketball court with spectator stands, an inbuilt mezzanine/gallery around the perimeter, changing rooms for athletes and referees, sanitary spaces, administration offices, club offices, and auxiliary spaces with a total surface area of 4000 square meters.
The basic compositional principle derives from the fusion of the form and function of the construction system of the composite structural timber shell, which is conceptually linked to the, kyathos, a form of ancient cup.
The shape of the elements of the shell face refers to the cup-shaped flowers and the milky sap secreted by the stems and leaves of the milkweed plant of the genus Euphorbia, which grows abundantly in Greece with more than 40 species.
Firstly, the new building rests on a podium base made of reinforced concrete for the areas below the final level of the court, leading to the pedestrian street.
Secondly, it is formed of wood products for the areas above the final level of the court, namely, glue laminated timber, plywood and cross-laminated timber.
The wooden supporting body is organised around the perimeter of the indoor gymnasium in a rectangular framework measuring 45 meters in length and 30 meters in width, with a reach of 5 meters.
The roof is covered with special lightweight pieces of waterproof, recyclable, printable plastic polymer with high weather resistance.
Project: Kyathos-Mass Timber Arena
Architects: KAAF/ Kitriniaris Associates Architecture Firm
Lead Architects: Alexandros Kitriniaris and Sotiris Monachogios
Client: Cultural and Athletic Organisation of Galatsi Municipality
Photographs: Courtesy of the Architects
