Ravelin Sports Centre

Portsmouth, South East

Civic Trust Awards Citation

Ravelin Sports Centre at the University of Portsmouth is an ultra-low energy sports facilities, serving both the university campus and the broader city. 

It stands as an open and transparent building, incorporating various amenities such as a swimming pool, sports hall, fitness suite, climbing and bouldering facilities, squash courts, and a ski simulator. Notable for its BREEAM Outstanding rating, the sports centre consumes only a fraction of the energy typically associated with such facilities. Its prominent location within a public green space on a city corner positions it as a gateway into the park, becoming a pivotal urban and green space for the university and the community. The architectural achievement lies in the clarity and restraint with which the building’s design has been executed. The stacked boxes, forming two distinct layers, maintain a simplicity and have been clearly realised in the built form. The ground floor’s ribbon of glazing opens up views into the park, fostering an inviting and animated atmosphere. This transparency extends to the gym, breaking down barriers and welcoming new users. Strategically positioned elements, such as the swimming pool and gym, offer expansive views of the park, enhancing the overall experience for users. 

The upper band of the façade, clad in vertical terracotta baguettes, pays homage to the surrounding Victorian red brick architecture, while the reflective material on the sports hall recedes into the background, reducing the mass of the building. The design reflects subtle nods to the site’s historical use as part of the old Portsmouth defensive rampart, integrating angular forms that mimic fortification lines. The deliberate openness of the building, with few barriers and extensive use of glass, fosters a welcoming atmosphere for both university students and the wider community. The central stair, accompanied by a climbing wall, creates an exciting and activated space within the building, enhancing circulation and connectivity. The centre’s commitment to openness extends beyond its architectural design, allowing public access to study spaces and a café without requiring membership. 

With impressive sustainability credentials and a commitment to community engagement, the Ravelin Sports Centre is not just a facility for university students but a valuable resource for the local community. Its transparent and open design signals inclusivity and community integration, reinforcing the university’s connection with the city and providing enhanced sports facilities for all.

Judges’ Comments: “Ravelin Sports Centre provides significantly improved sports facilities for the local community and the university within an open and transparent building. The sustainability credentials of the building are hugely impressive and should act as a template for future sports facilities of its type.”