Sustainable and future-proof swimming pool: Swimming in greenery

The new pool replaces the old 1973 municipal pool, which no longer met today's requirements. Instead, visitors can now swim in a sustainable building located in a green, park-like setting. The combination of competition pool, target group pool, slide, wellness and the latest technology makes this a representative reference for many a current market demand in the pool area.

Wind Design + Build is the contracting party for the municipality of Tiel, overseeing new construction, demolition and infra. It engaged mostly local companies to build the pool. At Zwembad Waalslag you will find a six-lane competition pool with diving pit and diving board, a four-lane target group pool, a paddling pool, a slide, a wellness area with whirlpool, a steam bath, a dry and wet sauna and catering facilities. "In the tender phase, we saw an opportunity to integrate the association space into the design," says Michel Copinga, project manager at Wind Design + Build. "From the association space you have a view of all the rooms and in particular the competition pool. So it has a double function during competitions, because then the competition management and VIPs can use it." The upper floor, with association space and office spaces with its own entrance can also be used outside swimming hours.

Special on all fronts

Functionality and efficient operation are important features of the design. For example, the target group pool can be separated from the rest, has a ramp for the disabled in addition to a disabled elevator, and a duo-bottom has been used. This means that two different water levels are possible, allowing different target groups to use the pool at the same time. 

The pool is also exceptional in terms of sustainability. The all-electric building is heated by means of a heat pump and provides its own production of electricity thanks to PV panels on the roof. Thanks to the high insulation value, little heat loss occurs. LED lighting has also been used. Moreover, the principles of circularity have been applied, so that the building materials used can be reused in the future. Copinga: "In this way, we have created a sustainable, future-proof building."

Planning and materialization

The construction of the pool went very smoothly within the frameworks of time and money, thanks in part to good cooperation and the construction method chosen. The building consists of a traditionally poured basement and a steel frame construction with concrete floor elements. Materialization of the facades consists of low-maintenance materials such as glass, curtain wall and perforated profile sheet. The degree of perforation and profile depth varies, leading to a subtle play of daylight and sunlight. Copinga: "Inside, the use of wood has created a warm and pleasant atmosphere."

Infiltration and water management

After the new pool was completed in December, the old one was demolished in January. That had remained in use until then. On this site will be parking spaces in a green, park-like setting, Copinga says. "We took infiltration and water management into account by including buffer and infiltration facilities (wadi) in the design. The site, previously characterized by building and view, has been transformed into a bright pool pavilion amid greenery with parking out of sight. This makes Zwembad Waalslag a nod to the archetype of white villas in greenery, which are characteristic of Tiel and its surroundings."   

Construction Info

Client 
Municipality of Tiel

Architect 
Wind Architects Advisors

Contractor 
Wind Design + Build

Construction period including outdoor space
November 2019 - April 2021