The Sports Pavilion Reimagined: TG Escapes Modular
Fostering well-being through biophilic design.For decades, the humble sports pavilion has often been a purely functional afterthought—a brick block of changing rooms and a small kiosk. But community sports buildings could be uplifting spaces that actively enhance our mental and physical well-being before, during, and after activity. This is the vision being realised by TG Escapes, whose modular, net-zero, timber-frame buildings are setting a new standard for sports facilities through the principles of biophilic design.
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Fostering well-being through biophilic design.For decades, the humble sports pavilion has often been a purely functional afterthought—a brick block of changing rooms and a small kiosk. But community sports buildings could be uplifting spaces that actively enhance our mental and physical well-being before, during, and after activity. This is the vision being realised by TG Escapes, whose modular, net-zero, timber-frame buildings are setting a new standard for sports facilities through the principles of biophilic design.
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Biophilic design is a philosophy based on humanity’s innate need to connect with nature. In architecture, this translates to using natural materials, maximising daylight, and creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. The benefits are profound: reduced stress, improved mood, and heightened mental clarity. When applied to a sports or leisure environment, this approach creates a calming, restorative atmosphere—the ideal mindset for focusing on performance or winding down after a tough session. ilic design is a philosophy based on humanity’s innate need to connect with nature. In architecture, this translates to using natural materials, maximising daylight, and creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. The benefits are profound: reduced stress, improved mood, and heightened mental clarity. When applied to a sports or leisure environment, this approach creates a calming, restorative atmosphere—the ideal mindset for focusing on performance or winding down after a tough session.
TG Escapes achieves this by engineering beautiful buildings from sustainable timber frames. The modular off-site construction process means a new pavilion can be delivered in a fraction of the time of a traditional build, with minimal disruption to pitches and club activities. The result is a highly insulated, energy-efficient structure with a warm, welcoming aesthetic that stands in stark contrast to the cold, sterile feel of older facilities.
Ruskin Leisure sports pavilion
The well-being studio at Winnersh Triangle
Nowhere is the power of this approach more evident than in the well-being studio created for Winnersh Triangle, a business park in Berkshire. Designed as a dedicated space for activities like yoga and pilates, the building is the perfect blueprint for the modern, holistic sport & leisure pavilion.
Nestled amongst mature trees, the studio features extensive floor-to-ceiling glazing, flooding the interior with natural light and offering immersive views of the surrounding landscape. The timber structure and natural wood finish create a sense of warmth and tranquillity. A covered veranda extends the usable space, allowing participants to stretch in the fresh air while sheltered from the elements.
Practising yoga or meditating in such a space is a fundamentally different experience. The connection to the outdoors creates a serene sanctuary, allowing users to fully disengage from external pressures and focus on their well-being. The facility provides a calm, inspiring, and restorative environment that supports mental health just as much as physical fitness, making it
Healthy buildings, healthy communities
This philosophy is not limited to boutique studios. TG Escapes has applied the same principles to more traditional sports facilities, such as the new changing rooms at Edgeborough School. By focusing on light, natural materials, and a connection to the outdoors, they elevated a purely functional building into a positive space that supports the well-being of young athletes.
By combining the practical benefits of modular construction with the profound well-being advantages of biophilic timber-frame design, TG Escapes net-zero buildings provide a unique solution for any club, school, or local authority looking to invest in a new pavilion. This approach offers a unique opportunity to build a landmark that will foster a healthier and happier active community for decades to come.
TG Escapes provide a design and build turnkey service including everything from planning to handover. They are a Construction Line Platinum member, a Structural Timber Association gold member, members of the PassiveHaus Trust, the MPBA, and the AECB. Their services can be accessed via the UK Leisure Framework and they are an approved contractor on the Pagabo Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for Small Works which is fully compliant with UK and EU procurement law for projects up to a value of £3m.
