New sustainable swimming pool Ronse

With the new municipal swimming pool, Ronse will be gaining an extra recreational sports attraction. This new complex is located on the transition between urban and green areas, as an extension to the existing sports fields and sports hall ‘t Rosco. It fits in seamlessly with the guidelines of the master plan, while taking it to the next level at the same time.
A smart connection to the existing entrance hall brings all the sports together. The Rosco transforms from a sports hall to a sports complex.

The building itself is a floating complex, separated from the existing sports infrastructure but functionally connected by a glass building in between the two. Herein lies the controlled access and the extension of the existing cafeteria. The patio in that ‘connecting area’ offers a direct view of the pool and the green surroundings that lie behind it. The natural differences in height of the green area are incorporated into the pool itself, so it seems to be naturally integrated into the site.

The design is based on a simple principle: one large canopy, under (and on top of) which all swimming pool functions are grouped in a clear structure. The roof consists of an orthogonal grid of laminated wooden beams of 1m75 high. Each cell of this regular beam diffuser measures 1m75 by 1m75 and not only has a structural purpose but it also provides an organisational order in the design: all rooms, roof lights and box volumes are attuned to the dimensions of the roof, creating a perfect balance between the swimming pool’s generous and open plan on the one hand and the seclusion of the existing sports hall on the other.

The clear design structure results in a high degree of transparency for users, which is essential given their great diversity. Spaces can be used together or separately, depending on the type of activity. By strategically placing façade openings and alternating between open and closed volumes, optimal daylight access, internal visibility, contact with the outside environment and the necessary privacy are created for each and every function. This is a compact architecture, that brings all functions together. The clear structure allowed us to place accents where necessary and to maximise the building’s architectural quality.

Another important part of the design was the large incidence of light. Due to its central location, the patio offers a view throughout the building, creating a light and transparent volume. This is not affected by the separate user flows. The more private areas like the dressing rooms are all equipped with roof lights to ensure that these areas also have sufficient daylight.

Disabled people can make optimal use of the pool. An elevator has been installed in the pool and sufficient adapted sanitary facilities are available for easy access.

The design for the Ronse Swimming Pool obviously does not stops or starts at its front door. The courtyard and the car park play an equally important role in the perception of the sports complex as the building itself does. The existing sports hall is primarily facing inwards.
By aligning the new design with the outside world, openness is literally and figuratively maximised. Because seeing sports encourages doing sports.