Webnet in a Gymnasium in Gurmels | Jakob

Designed by the architects Jean-Luc Grobéty, André Bächler, Alain Fidanza and Jürg Winkelmann, the gymnasium and sports ground in Gurmels, Switzerland is divided into three units which are used for school and club sports as well as cultural events.

Webnet by Jakob Rope Systems has been used as a ceiling treatment in the gymnasium, serving both a functional and aesthetic role. The stainless steel net provides a protective barrier to prevent damage to the suspended lighting, exposed wooden ceiling structure and suspended sporting equipment. Aesthetically, the mesh creates a visual separation between the interior volume of the gym and the overhead structure.

The architects collaborated closely with the engineers at Jakob, to create a tailored solution for this application. The key design considerations were the choice of the aperture and mesh angle and the system for attaching the net to the building structure. The design team chose a relatively small mesh angle of 35° to create a filigreed visual effect. For attaching the net, a surround rope has been secured to the building structure and despite the considerable weight, the net has been tensioned so the 500m2 ceiling surface has a virtually imperceptible sag of between 10-15cm.

The factory-assembled nets were installed by Jakob using two mobile scissor platforms and a few auxiliary ropes. This system allowed for a quick installation without the need for expensive scaffolding, providing considerable cost advantages to the client.

About Webnet

Webnet is made from high-quality stainless steel ropes that are permanently interconnected by simple metal sleeves. This system allows for the design of wide or fine-meshed net structures depending on the need of the project.

Webnet has a versatile range of applications; it is suitable for security and protective functions on bridges and sporting facilities, as a fence or balustrade, or as a training structure for climbing plants. Webnet can be installed in simple geometric shapes, stretched over surfaces or installed in complex, irregular three-dimensional shapes.

The excellent weather-resistant properties of Webnet make it well suited to outdoor applications. The refined finishing of the nets also makes it suitable and attractive in indoor settings.