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A new look for the Émile Robert sports complex

The Émile Robert sports complex hosts the world’s best judokas.

Initially intended to host regional champions, the Émile Robert sports complex was renovated in 2019. A successful transformation led to its selection as one of the official training centres set to receive the world's best athletes during the Summer of 2024. The renovation, carried out by Armor Ingénierie, successfully combines innovation and sustainability.

About the Émile Robert sports complex

The Émile Robert sports complex, located in France at Penvénan in the Côtes d'Armor region, has been renovated to offer a modern and functional space for all athletes. During the Summer of 2024, the training centre will welcome the world's best judokas (judo performers).

Thanks to its photovoltaic power plant, the infrastructure is self-sufficient, producing more power than it consumes, with full resale of the electricity generated: the racking is sized at 36 kVA and the production at 70 kVA. This High Environmental Quality approach guarantees a positive and lasting environmental impact.

The Émile Robert complex in numbers

  • 2,500 sqm surface area
  • 1,600 sqm dedicated to the multi-sports area
  • 170 sqm of tatami mats
  • 66 kWc produces every year

Internal view of Émile Robert sports complex with pin dropped on map showing Penvénan in the Côtes d’Armor region of France.

A specialist in the design of HEP bio-climatic buildings

Armor Ingénierie is a design office specialised in MEP networks (plumbing, HVAC, etc.), all trades, construction economics and SCMC. Responsible for fluid systems and photovoltaics, the office supervised the project with precision and expertise.

"We use BIM as part of our detailing works for everything to do with dimensioning. We'll generate cross-sections very simply to identify network crossings, intersections, congestion..."

Erwan Balcou, BET Technical Manager at Armor Ingénierie

Identifying BIM requirements

In order to meet the logistical challenges of the project, BIM tools were integrated into the construction program.

The objective:

  • Meet ambitious deadlines
  • Facilitate decision-making (through the creation of 3D models)
  • Meet the evolving needs of the project throughout its lifecycle, from construction to ongoing maintenance
  • Optimise the reworking of drawings thanks to the digital model

An example of a drawing produced from the digital model

Project phases

  1. Transmission of topographical plans and surveys by the project owner.
  2. Modelling of existing structure by the architect and receipt of the elements in Trimble Nova at Armor Ingénierie.
  3. Addition of fluid networks to the Preliminary Project Outline and study of dimensioning.
  4. Transition to Preliminary Project Outline with the architects to obtain more realistic simulations and data.
  5. Detail and drawing of all elements in the Professional phase.
  6. Construction phase.
  7. On-site surveys based on constructors 'as built' record.
  8. Adaptation of the models, to take account of the numerous transformations carried out on the building's false ceilings.
  9. Delivery of a digital model in IFC format conforming to the final construction.

All data and model components are transferred to Trimble Connect, ensuring secure storage and accessible visualisation for all project stakeholders.

MEP showed within the 3D model environment

Armor Ingénierie used Trimble to:

Simplify design

  • Centralise 3D files into a single document for faster analysis of key project points.
  • Simplifies intelligent drawing (linked to calculations).
  • Optimise layouts and sections to better control MEP networks.

Facilitate collaboration

  • Facilitates access to the project and simplifies exchanges for all parties involved (design office, site team) with IFC transfer.
  • Centralises calculation data required for site execution (quantities, hypothesis, elements for fabrication, etc.)

Optimise communication

  • Guarantees clear, comprehensible and understandable drawings for all stakeholders with Trimble Connect, a cloud-based collaboration platform.

Improve the projection of space requirements

  • Suitable for sizing technical facilities, which are often faced with space constraints.
  • Provides accurate modelling, close to actual constraints, to improve decision-making right from the project launch.

"What I like about Trimble is being in contact with people who themselves come from design offices and know our business."

Erwan Balcou, BET Technical Manager at Armor Ingénierie

Building for sporting excellence.

Building Information Modelling can be found at the heart of many major sporting events, from cleaning up the River Seine ready for swimmers, to providing accommodation for competing athletes.

Learn how France readied itself for a summer of sport, visit the Sporting Excellence website.