Context: The Garden Tennis fill a triangular plot, bordered by two important avenues north and south. Although the parcel is quite isolated, it is close to an area that has been the subject of a large program of revitalization, with the construction of a new civic center, a library, and the development of the visitor center. 

The inner organization of the historical tennis club is driven by a central axis that runs from the principal entrance, marked by a monumental wood door to the clubhouse. Both constructions are designed in traditional Norman architecture from the early 20th century. Lemoal Lemoal’s intervention has already led to the transformation of the clubhouse into a fancy restaurant and administrative offices. The new changing facilities are located in the south part of the parcel near the clubhouse.  

Architectural principle: Designed to host the changing rooms and lavatories of the tennis club, this small-scale building is characterized by its good integration into its environment. Inspired by Norman traditional architecture, the project distinguishes itself by its contemporary use of half-timbering technique. The minimalist volume is composed of a structural timber frame and a double skin in polycarbonate. The tile cladding of the roof is made of terracotta tiles from the Terreal factory located nearby Cabourg. 

Structure: The project is clearly inspired by traditional half-timbered buildings that are very common in Normandy. But the specificity here is that the timber frame remains blank, not like in traditional half-timbering, and in this way is highlighted. The sealing, the isolation, and the polycarbonate skin are placed inside the structure to accentuate the visibility of the wood texture. The frame is reduced to its essentials making a minimalist and frugal building. 

Light: The changing rooms benefit from the timber structure to get high ceiling and large interior volumes. Furthermore, the double-skin façade in polycarbonate creates a luminous ambiance. Users are protected from the outside, invisible, but they can enjoy natural daylight.