Designing tomorrow’s swimming centres

Designing tomorrow’s swimming centres | Troldtekt THEME

Swimming and water exercise are popular activities among all ages and at all skill levels. We use swimming centres to exercise, relax and enjoy ourselves with our families. Centres are being renovated in many places, or new ones built, with architecture that matches the varying purposes and user scenarios.

In this feature series, you can read about 16 trends for the swimming centres of the future – trends that the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) NGO has compiled in a report.

You can also take a look at a number of projects where function and design go hand in hand, for example through the use of Troldtekt acoustic solutions. Read about the recently built and beautifully situated Frederikssund Swimming Centre, the colourful new Vitalbad in Kusel, Germany, and the Isfuglen clubhouse for winter bathers at Brøndby harbour.

16 trends in swimming centres of the future

The International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) NGO has compiled a report on a number of trends in the swimming centres and outdoor baths of the future.

The 16 trends cover a wide range of aspects that impact on architecture – from economics and digital features to new usage patterns.

>> See the 16 trends

Troldtekt acoustic panels withstand moisture and are therefore very suitable as acoustic ceiling and wall cladding in, for example, swimming pools

Swimming pools are of high social importance

The bathing culture is strong in Germany, but attractive offers are still lacking in many cities and municipalities. The investments of the municipalities are still too low to offer visitors modern equipment or multifunctional concepts.

In an interview, Dr. Stefan Kannewischer, President of the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS), comments on this and points out possible solutions.

>> Read the interview

Swimming pools are of high social importance | Troldtekt THEME

New swimming centres must have wider appeal

Modern swimming centres have to satisfy many expectations – and accommodate the needs of elite swimmers, people wanting to take exercise, young families and wellness enthusiasts.

There is a risk of friction between the various user groups. But the design of the new Frederikssund Swimming Centre demonstrates that the difficult balancing act can be successful.

>> Read more about Frederikssund Swimming Centre

Ceilings with Troldtekt acoustic panels in swimming pool

A good pool creates the feeling of a summer swim

“Good swimming centres have to function effectively and have a welcoming atmosphere,” says Ernst Ulrich Tillmanns, CEO of architects 4a Architekten.

One way of achieving this is by using ceiling panels made of natural materials like wood, which ensure pleasant acoustics. Or by highlighting different areas using light and colour.

>> Read the interview

Ceilings with Troldtekt acoustic panels in swimming pool

New outdoor baths must withstand harsh weather

There is a growing interest in outdoor bathing, and even in the cities old baths are being modernised or new ones being built. The baths have to satisfy the swimmers’ desire for comfort, but also withstand harsh weather.

Take a look at the award-winning fjord park in Aalborg and the unique Isfuglen clubhouse for winter bathers at Brøndby harbour outside Copenhagen.

>> More about the two outdoor baths

Troldtekt acoustic ceilings in sports facilities

Troldtekt contributes to a good swimming experience

Ceiling and walls clad with Troldtekt acoustic panels effectively absorb the sounds of splashing, shouting and playing, thus contributing to pleasant acoustics in swimming centres.

Cement-bonded wood wool panels are also durable, with a natural resistance to moisture. The flexible design options also offer considerable architectural freedom.

>> More about using Troldtekt in swimming centres

Troldtekt acoustic panels in swimming facilities

Flintholm Swimming Centre (DK)

Troldtekt acoustic panels withstand moisture and are therefore very suitable as acoustic ceiling and wall cladding in, for example, swimming pools

The new Flintholm Swimming Centre opened in 2017 and stands as a shining cubic building in the urban landscape. Troldtekt panels were chosen as an acoustic solution for ceilings and supplementary sections on walls, and a black-painted version was used in the foyer.

>> See photos and read more

Swimming Pool in Gensingen (DE)

Troldtekt acoustic panels in warm shades ensure optimal room acoustics and contribute to the feel-good atmosphere at renovated indoor swimming pool in Gensingen, Germany

The technical installations, sanitary facilities and design have been upgraded. A new colour theme runs from the changing rooms to the swimming pool – which includes Troldtekt acoustic panels in warm colours.

>> See photos and read more

Rulantica at Europa-Park in Rust (DE)

Troldtekt’s acoustic panels, which are suitable for wet-room use, excel in particular due to their excellent sound-absorbing properties

The new 40,000-square-metre water park is an adventure world for the whole family. It is tranquil inside thanks to rocks, decorative elements and Troldtekt acoustic panels, which were also used in the foyer and changing rooms.

>> See photos and read more

Theme overview

With our Troldtekt themes we continually bring focus to topical trends within the fields of acoustics, indoor climate, architecture and sustainable building.

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