Dreifachhalle Blumenfeld

The Dreifachhalle Blumenfeld is a functional box in the Affoltern district of Zürich, tucked into the Schulhaus complex where it was born between 2011 and 2016. The capacity is 250. The air inside feels different; the surface is a combined-elastic polyurethane floor, artificial and consistent, designed for the sharp screech of shoes on badminton courts rather than the heavy thud of football boots.

Its identity is tied to the local community, specifically the handball department of Turnverein Unterstrass. They have played here since their section was founded in 1935, long before the current hall was erected. The men’s team contests the 1. Liga, while the women’s side shares a squad with Rümlang. There is a sense of continuity in these shifting alliances. The hall also hosts the Together League, an inclusive initiative that brings a different rhythm to the evenings. Rounds of this competition fill the space with a variety of players, turning a standard gymnasium into something more communal.

The architecture is straightforward. Designed by OP Architekten for the City of Zürich, the structure prioritizes utility over spectacle. Located at Blumenfeldstrasse 50, it sits near the border with Rümlang, a geographical nuance that often confuses those who only look at the team names. The building itself is unassuming, a grey block that houses twelve badminton courts and a small tribune. It is not a destination for tourists. It is a place where locals watch their neighbours play. The lighting is bright, the acoustics are flat, and the game is played without the pressure of a stadium roof. It is simply a hall where the ball is kept in play.