Dezeen « Newer story Older story » Refurbished Paris swimming pool features blue bleac A new wall of glazing allows daylight to reflect off the original blue-painted bleachers and onto the ceiling of this swimming pool in the Paris suburb of Bagneux, which has been renovated and extended by Dominique Coulon et Associés (+ slideshow). Restructuring and extension of swimming pool in Bagneux by Dominique Coulon et associés Photograph by Clement Guillaume The aim of the refurbishment and expansion overseen by Strasbourg studio Dominique Coulon et Associés was to increase the facilities available to the community of Bagneux, while ensuring the addition ties in with the original 1950s architecture. Restructuring and extension of swimming pool in Bagneux by Dominique Coulon et associés Photograph by David Romero-Uzeda Preserving the original building helped reduce the cost of the project by 40 per cent, architect Dominique Coulon told Dezeen, adding that the intelligent combination of new and existing facilities also provided energy savings. Related story: Médiathèque d’Anzin by Dominique Coulon & Associés For example, the dressing rooms slide under the swimming pool, allowing the underside of the pool on the first floor to heat them. Restructuring and extension of swimming pool in Bagneux by Dominique Coulon et associés Photograph by Clement Guillaume The buildings structural framework was retained, along with two swimming pools and the adjacent bleachers. A new insulated envelope surrounding this frame was added along with a glazed curtain wall and an extension to the front of the building. Restructuring and extension of swimming pool in Bagneux by Dominique Coulon et associés Photograph by Clement Guillaume Light grey concrete used for the exterior of the extension matches the surface of the 1950s structure and gives the whole building a homogenous aesthetic that enhances its overall sense of scale. Restructuring and extension of swimming pool in Bagneux by Dominique Coulon et associés Photograph by David Romero-Uzeda A large cantilever shelters the entrance and creates a connection between the foyer and the public space provided by the forecourt outside. Restructuring and extension of swimming pool in Bagneux by Dominique Coulon et associés Photograph by David Romero-Uzeda The concrete-lined volume above the entrance creates a decked area for sunbathing, lined on one side by a row of vertical fins supporting a surface aligned with the roof of the main building. Restructuring and extension of swimming pool in Bagneux by Dominique Coulon et associés Photograph by Clement Guilaume The main pool on the first floor is flanked by a long opening accommodating the bleachers, where all the surfaces have been painted blue to match the colour of the pool. Restructuring and extension of swimming pool in Bagneux by Dominique Coulon et associés Photograph by David Romero-Uzeda The same shade is used for the staircase that leads from the ground floor to the bleachers, and to demarcate other functional areas including the bathrooms next to the reception. Restructuring and extension of swimming pool in Bagneux by Dominique Coulon et associés Photograph by David Romero-Uzeda In contrast to the geometric exterior and the interior of the original pool area, the extension contains spaces defined by organic curves that give a softer aesthetic to the new facilities. Restructuring and extension of swimming pool in Bagneux by Dominique Coulon et associés Photograph by David Romero-Uzeda In this building curves are placed in the extension side, said Coulon. Following Rem Koolhaas’s concept of lobotomy, the volumes inside are independent of the exterior envelope. The curved volumes follow the movement of the swimmers, proposing improved inclusive ergonomics. Restructuring and extension of swimming pool in Bagneux by Dominique Coulon et associés Photograph by David Romero-Uzeda The childrens paddling pool is contained in a curving space designed to create a cocoon-like feel while helping to reduce ambient noise created by reverberations. Restructuring and extension of swimming pool in Bagneux by Dominique Coulon et associés Photograph by Clement Guillaume A porthole-shaped opening in the floor of the paddling area lets blue-tinged light filter down into the corridor, connecting the spa facilities on the ground floor. Restructuring and extension of swimming pool in Bagneux by Dominique Coulon et associés Photograph by Clement Guillaume Curvaceous shapes are also used in various other spaces within the extension, including the double-height relaxation area, where a rounded window opening creates a spot for relaxed lounging that looks out onto a small garden. Restructuring and extension of swimming pool in Bagneux by Dominique Coulon et associés Photograph by David Romero-Uzeda Photography is by Clément Guillaume and David Romero-Uzeda. Project credits: Client: Communauté d’agglomération Sud de Seine Architect: Dominique Coulon et associés, Architects Design team: Dominique Coulon, Benjamin Rocchi, Arnaud Eloudyi, Sarah Brebbia, Gautier Duthoit Construction site supervision: Agence Olivier Werner Structural Engineer: Batiserf Ingénierie Mechanical Electrical Plumbing Engineer: Alto Ingénierie Cost Estimator: E3 Economie Acoustics: Euro Sound Project
Posted on: Sat, 29 Nov 2014 00:13:27 +0000
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