Thialf ice arena, Heerenveen

While the promenade inside makes meaningful connections, it also isolates the competition area from outside, thus allowing for a better indoor climate. Moisture, brought in by the wet coats of spectators, is absorbed and filtered out. In the past, the moist condensed on the ice and reduced the speed of skaters. By including an air curtain between the public and the competition area, and separating the promenade - each with its specific thermal conditions - the temperature and humidity can easily be managed separately.

Moreover, the ice temperature can be tuned to the precision of the tenth degree and adjusted for each track section. In the renewed ice arena, top athletes have access to the fastest ice and the best 400-metre lowland track.

The renewed Thialf is an extension of the oval structure of the existing building. To preserve what still can be used is a contribution to sustainability. Initially, it was the intention to reduce energy consumption up to 50%. A high level of thermal insulation, the application of underground heat and cold storage, as well as LED lighting, contribute to an energy reduction of more than 50%.

Thialf not only uses but also produces energy by means of 5000 solar panels on its roof. It has the intention to fully provide for its own energy needs within 5 years. It will then also provide enough energy for 1,250 households. At this moment, the ice arena has the largest sunroof of all stadiums in The Netherlands and is the most sustainable ice arena in the world.