Rock in the surf

Director Peter Wielaart was determined: within two years De Boetzelaer had to be there again. Meanwhile, the finishing touches are being put on the magnificent new pool complex, which literally and figuratively manifests itself as a rock.  

In order to realize De Boetzelaer's ambition, a construction team was needed that acts efficiently and switches quickly among itself. BAS1S Architects, De Vries en Verburg Bouw, installer Hellebrekers and consulting firm B.S.A. joined forces. Working closely with De Boetzelaer, they are giving residents throughout the region back their familiar swimming pool.

Caribbean spheres

In terms of features, the new building is virtually the same as the old Boetzelaer. The pool has a recreational pool, a toddler pool, a swimming lesson pool, a slide and a whirlpool. In addition, the building provides space for a grandstand, a catering area, a multipurpose room and, of course, locker rooms and offices. "De Boetzelaer's widely known theme of pirates also had to be maintained," says architect Siu Kin Shek of BAS1S Architects. "We had previously carried out work for De Boetzelaer and were asked to flesh out this theme. In this we were given a free hand. Inspired by the Caribbean, we chose an abstract representation of a rock in terms of the exterior. We kept the interior subdued, so that we could go all out with the furnishings. Because of the palm trees, rock formations and colorful works of art, visitors will soon imagine themselves in Caribbean spheres."

Experience with swimming pools

Within the construction team, De Vries en Verburg helped think through the implementation of the plans and designs for De Boetzelaer. "We build several swimming pools every year, so we know what's involved," says project manager Ronald van Klaren of De Vries en Verburg. "You have to deal with chlorine, moisture and specific constructions, such as a crawl space and a circulation gutter of the pool. At the same time, a swimming pool contains a lot of installation technology, which you have to coordinate with the construction part. In addition, you have to ensure a good construction sequence so that the work runs like a moving train. Important milestones in the process include filling the pool after the concrete work and adjusting and inspecting the installations." 

Dynamic facade appearance

In December 2019, pile driving for De Boetzelaer began, followed by structural work on the concrete pool floors. Van Klaren: "Because the pools have different depths, we carried out the structural work in several phases. In the process, we reused part of the existing pool shell. In June 2020, we started building the steel structure for the superstructure." Shek adds, "The steel structure features aerated concrete, an insulation layer and an outer shell. In consultation with De Vries en Verburg, that outer layer was executed in trespa. On the one hand because this material is good and fast to attach, but also because it gives the intended look. The trespa is made in one metallic color. However, depending on the positioning and incidence of light, the panels appear to have different colors. This creates a dynamic facade appearance."

Fast switching

Since November 2020, the finishing of De Boetzelaer has been in full swing. Tiles are being set and walls, floors and doors installed. Paint is being painted, offices are being dressed and installations are being set up. With completion near, Van Klaren looks back on a construction process that went well. "Because we started quickly, we still had to make certain decisions during construction. That went smoothly. Both with the client and with the other parties we were able to switch quickly." Shek agrees: "Normally a design and construction process like this takes at least three years. Now it takes us a little over two years. Because we had worked out a little less on the front end, we had regular consultations with the parties on site. That cooperation was very pleasant. Together we put up a rock-solid building."

Construction Info

Client The Boetzelaer, Monster
Architect BAS1S Architects, Poeldijk
Contractor De Vries and Verburg Bouw, Stolwijk
Engineer walls Xella Netherlands
Fire-resistant facade Hebel Aerated concrete