France

Mimizan is now home to a new multisport complex featuring an architectural design that is as lightweight as it is innovative. Combining a timber structure with a Tenseo Xtrem TX30-II fabric roof, this new facility brings together technical performance, natural light and durability.

A major development project for the local community

Located on the Atlantic coast in the Landes department of southwestern France, the town of Mimizan has been transforming its public facilities for several years to support local growth and enhance its appeal. As part of this initiative, the town has undertaken extensive development work at the Plaine des Sports du Moulin Neuf site. The centerpiece of the project is a 2,300 m² multisport complex, complemented by a 1,550 m² covered outdoor sports area. The building brings together several spaces dedicated to sporting activities and contributes to the development of a site designed as a vibrant place for people to meet, connect and enjoy sports.

The complex was designed by Julien Delmas Architecte and Loïc Loisel Architecte, while SMC2, a design-build specialist in permanent sports and recreational facilities, was responsible for the design and construction of the timber structure and fabric envelope.

Architecture that blends with its surroundings

The project stands out for its lightweight architecture, which blends harmoniously with the forest landscape typical of the Landes region. The design team opted for an exposed long-span timber structure combined with a fabric roof. The roofing membrane follows the building’s architectural lines through a reverse double-curvature geometry that ensures proper tensioning and stability. Its undulating shape is therefore more than an aesthetic choice: it fulfills a structural requirement while highlighting the rhythm of the timber frames visible throughout the site. With lightness at the heart of the design, this combination makes it possible to cover large spaces while maintaining an airy architectural expression and minimizing the visual impact of the supporting structures.

The membrane also plays an essential role in the building’s functionality and comfort. Beyond providing protection, it filters natural light to create bright, comfortable spaces for athletes while showcasing the architectural beauty of the timber framework. By day and by night, the complex displays a contemporary identity that contributes to the character of this new sports facility.

A Tenseo Xtrem TX30-II roof: combining performance and natural light

The Tenseo Xtrem TX30-II membrane was selected to cover the sports complex. Specifically designed for translucent roofing and building envelopes, Tenseo Xtrem TX30-II combines the performance of Précontraint technology with excellent light transmission. This allows natural daylight to illuminate indoor spaces throughout the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting while maintaining effective protection against outdoor weather conditions.

Particularly well suited to sports facilities, the membrane offers several key advantages:

• even distribution of natural light without glare;
• excellent long-term dimensional stability and high mechanical strength, making it ideal for long-span structures;
• enhanced UV protection;
• high durability against harsh weather conditions;
• easy maintenance thanks to its protective surface treatment;
• a lifespan of over 30 years.

With the Plaine du Moulin Neuf sports complex, Mimizan demonstrates that architectural ambition, user comfort and durability can go hand in hand. Combined with the warmth of the timber structure, the Tenseo Xtrem TX30-II membrane helps create bright, comfortable and welcoming spaces while meeting the technical requirements of a sports facility designed for intensive use.

Beyond its role as a building envelope, the membrane becomes an integral part of the architectural design. Its lightness, strength and ability to shape natural light give architects a level of design freedom that is difficult to achieve with conventional building materials. Pushing the boundaries of architectural creativity and developing buildings that combine performance, durability and user comfort: this is the true potential of the 7TH MATERIAL. In Mimizan, architectural fabric does more than simply cover a sports facility; it plays a central role in shaping its identity, enhancing comfort and ensuring long-term performance.

Project contributors:

• Lead architect: Julien Delmas Architecte
• Associate architect: Loïc Loisel Architecte
• Design-build contractor: SMC2
• Copyright: © Arthur Péquin