Ice Stadium

Instead of an enclosed sports hall, we bring light, airy and transparent architecture. We are designing the building so that its scale fits naturally into its surroundings, so that it does not feel heavy and does not compete with the natural landmark of Hluboká Castle. We are creating a building that feels optimistic, warm and welcoming for athletes and spectators alike.

The context of the site on the bank of the Vltava, close to other sports facilities, strongly influenced the overall architectural expression of the building. As the main cladding material, we propose green copper sheet, which refers to the copper roofs of the historic buildings nearby. It is complemented by natural timber, which follows the architectural tradition of the large buildings of the former Schwarzenberg estate. Timber also plays a key role in the interior of the hall, where it helps create a natural, warm and pleasant atmosphere for visitors and athletes. The materials used age gracefully and help integrate the hall naturally into the riverside parkland.

We have conceived the interior of the stadium on the principle of contrast between warmth and cold, a theme that alludes to the very essence of an ice stadium. In the cold environment of the main hall by the ice rink, we deliberately use warm materials – timber trusses and timber elements dominate the stand, which seats 350 spectators. Conversely, in the temperate and heated areas, such as the lounge, we work with a cooler expression in the form of slightly glossy corrugated aluminium sheet, which refers to the building’s façade. This contrasting approach underlines the overall idea of the design and creates a clearly legible and memorable environment.

A unique feature of the entire design is the way it works with views and opens the hall up to the surrounding landscape. The glazed façades are not merely a source of natural light – they make the view an integral part of the sporting experience. Visitors and players on the ice thus remain in constant visual contact with the surrounding countryside and, above all, with the iconic skyline of the Neo-Gothic Hluboká Castle. Rather than blocking out its surroundings, the building frames and celebrates them.

We have conceived the stadium as a civic space that can be used all year round. The main hall holds up to 1,000 spectators and provides facilities for University League matches and youth training. Once the hockey season ends in spring and the ice melts, the floor is transformed into a multi-purpose arena suitable for concerts, exhibitions, theatre performances and other indoor sports. The building thus serves the community and cultural life of the residents of Hluboká nad Vltavou throughout the year.

In developing the architectural brief and the detailed layout, we worked closely with ice hockey personalities connected to the local region. Thanks to their practical experience of professional arenas and summer camps, we have created an operationally flawless space that meets the most demanding requirements for training athletes of all age groups.