Modern swimming facilities require advanced architectural solutions
How do you design a swimming centre that will satisfy the needs of elite swimmers, playful children and wellness visitors alike? In a new theme, Troldtekt A/S looks at possible solutions. The theme includes interviews with an expert and architects - as well as reportages from successful swimming centres and outdoor swimming baths.
The modern Stenungsund arena in southern Sweden houses facilities for a wide range of sports. In the swimming hall the walls and ceiling have been clad in Troldtekt acoustic panels to provide the appropriate aesthetic expression and effective noise reduction. Copyright© Thorn Creative Agency.
The new Balneon indoor and open-air pool in Germany covers more than 1,500m2 water area and 850 m2 wellness area. Troldtekt cement-bonded wood wool panels in a cheerful colour scheme provide acoustic benefits by reducing reverberation times. Copyright© Dipl.-Ing. Olaf Wiechers.
The award-winning Vestre Fjordpark in the Danish town of Aalborg is designed with Troldtekt acoustic panels in both the café and conference and classrooms. Copyright© Helene Høyer Mikkelsen.
Following extensive renovation, the swimming centre has become a popular new attraction in the Danish town of Ringkøbing. Boasting a highly sustainable profile, the centre features solar cells, heat recovery systems and Troldtekt acoustic ceilings. Copyright© Helene Høyer Mikkelsen.
In the sports and swimming centre in Eura (Finland), Troldtekt panels in a variety of colours contribute to both superior acoustics and the visual expression. Copyright© Troldtekt A/S.
With the Læsø Spa Resort architects Friis & Moltke have designed a high-class attraction. The ceilings are covered in wooden strips, behind which black painted Troldtekt panels can be seen. Copyright© Thomas Mølvig.
Indoor swimming pools and outdoor baths are popular meeting places in local communities. And with the right architectural planning and attention to detail, both renovated and newly built facilities can be made to appeal to all manner of water lovers.
In a new online theme, the acoustic panel manufacturer Troldtekt A/S focuses on good architecture in modern swimming centres. The theme includes an interview with Dr Stefan Kannewischer, president of the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS). He highlights the need for new and varied swimming facilities (based on the situation in Germany).
– The right project approach is essential. First, you need to examine the market and the needs of the different types of users. If the neighbouring city has a fun pool, maybe you should build a wellness spa. Only then can you pick the right team for planning, financing and operating the pool, he says.
Wood and water are a perfect match
In another article, Ernst Ulrich Tillmanns, CEO at 4a Architekten, talks about the German firm’s experience with designing swimming centres. He highlights wood as a material that creates a good atmosphere and a pleasant experience for swimmers.
– The atmosphere of the building is equally important. Some older swimming pools are covered in white tiles like a slaughterhouse. Instead, you should create a warm and welcoming feeling of wellness and for this, the choice of materials are very important. At the floor level, you have a lot of water, so here you must use tiles or concrete. But as soon as you move a meter up, wood is a very good material to use, both on the walls and the ceiling. It is a natural material that does not corrode, and it contributes with both atmosphere and durability, says Ernst Ulrich Tillmanns.
4A Architekten has designed a wide range of swimming centres and combined facilities with both indoor and outdoor pools. The drawing office is currently involved in a project in the German town of Kusel where Troldtekt cement-bonded wood wool acoustic panels are a key element in the design. Troldtekt enhances the bathing experience because the material ensures superior acoustics, accommodates flexible design solutions and is moisture-resistant.
Come on a tour of award-winning lido
Troldtekt acoustic panels were also selected for several of the buildings at the international award-winning lido Vestre Fjordpark in Aalborg (Denmark), where wood is a central material.
Read an interview with the architect behind the Danish lido in the new online theme, which also includes reportages from the Balneon swimming centre in Germany, the Stenungsund multi-purpose arena in Sweden, and Ringkøbing swimming baths in Denmark.
Finally, the theme swings past the Danish capital, Copenhagen, where the architects Cornelius + Vöge together with Japanese firm Kengo Kuma & Associates are designing a new water culture centre. In an interview, the company’s owner Dan Cornelius describes their thinking behind the architecture.
Read the theme on swimming centres and baths here
FACTS ABOUT TROLDTEKT:
- Troldtekt A/S is a leading developer and manufacturer of acoustic ceiling and wall solutions.
- Since 1935, wood and cement have been the main natural raw materials in production, which takes place in Denmark in modern facilities with a low environmental impact.
- Troldtekt’s business strategy is founded on the Cradle to Cradle design concept, which plays a key role in safeguarding environmental benefits towards 2022.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Peer Leth, CEO, Troldtekt A/S: +45 8747 8130 // ple@troldtekt.dk
Tina Snedker Kristensen, Head of Marketing and Communications, Troldtekt A/S: +45 8747 8124 // tkr@troldtekt.dk