The architecture of indoor swimming pools today we associate with massive molochs, additionally clad in ceramics of what we might call "fickle" color. Swimming pools can look much more elegant, while fully realizing their functions. Such a design was created by the P2PA studio, which won in a competition organized by SARP.
The immediate surroundings of the pool are a green buffer, separating it from the neighborhood
© P2PA
The design of the swimming pool in Piaseczno is a development of a concept that won first place in a competition organized by the Piaseczno Municipality in cooperation with the Warsaw Branch of the Association of Polish Architects(See here).
In the project it was important to bet on calm, subdued architecture - different from the typical blocks we know from our cities. The mass was withdrawn in relation to the development of neighboring streets - in this way it was possible to introduce additional greenery. The composition was based on the displacement of the main volumes, introducing a division into two patios, which were separated by trellises. Most important is the choice of an unusual material - cross-glued wood. In this way the building establishes a dialogue with the surrounding landscape.
Maciej Poplawski, an architect from the P2PA studio, talks about the process of creation, shaping of the body, and the search for an appropriate solution for the pool.
Wiktor Bochenek: How was the body of the building solved in relation to its surroundings?
Maciej Poplawski: The body of the building was designed as withdrawn in relation to the neighboring streets, which allows creating a landscape buffer emphasizing the character of the pavilion. In the surroundings of the building, a park-like space was designed, and in front of the main entrance a park-like plaza was located, where important pedestrian routes of the city intersect. Buffer functions have been located on the side of the streets and the main entrance, while recreational functions - swimming pools and spa area open up to the picturesque greenery surrounding the building.
The trellises between the pavilions create a space for pleasant recreation
© P2PA
Wiktor Bochenek: What was most important when shaping the massing?
Maciej Poplawski: The goal was to achieve a simple, functional object that is clear to the user. The building was composed as a simple block with a pavilion character. In order to make it visually smaller, differentiation of the height of individual zones was used, as well as its intersection with displacement. The offset created two external spaces - the entrance patio and the pool patio, and made it possible, functionally beneficial, to reduce the size of the connection of the recreational and sports pool area. In the enclaves thus created, greenery was designed to influence not only the gradation of zones surrounding the building, but also to shape the atmosphere inside.
Wiktor Bochenek: Why did you decide to use wood in this building?
Maciej Poplawski: Wood is an excellent alternative to other building materials thanks to its negative carbon balance, absorbing twice as much carbon dioxide as it weighs by itself. Its weight also allows for much simpler transportation. With durability it matches reinforced concrete solutions. The use of wood is, therefore, beneficial both from the economic side and from the environmental side. Wood also fits into our concept through its dual nature. It allows us to build a park pavilion that is consistent with the landscape, and to achieve harmonious, calm interiors.
The wood is visible not only on the facade, but also in the interior of the pool
© P2PA
Wiktor Bochenek: What ecological solutions have been introduced in this complex?
Maciej Poplawski: The whole concept is based on a very sustainable approach to the environment. The previously mentioned extensive use of wood is one of these aspects. The basic idea of the project is to create a space with a park-like character. To this end, new plantings were designed in the form of trees, low and medium-high greenery and flower meadows. Rainwater from the roof is used on the project site by means of a "dry stream" solution, which will fill with water during rainfall. In addition, the building uses installation solutions striving for high energy efficiency of the facility. A photovoltaic installation has been designed on its roof. The pool technology has been designed with high-efficiency heat recovery from the pool' s rinse water with recovery of both water and heat. Heat recovery from sanitary wastewater was also designed.
Wiktor Bochenek: What caused you the most difficulties, and what are you most proud of?
Maciej Poplawski: In our concepts, we always look for clear and strong ideas on which we later build the project. This gives a clear framework within which we move during the design. At the competition stage, we already delineated the building on a simple module, which required a lot of discipline to maintain throughout the design process, but allowed us to create a very clear, orderly and harmonious space. It is always a great satisfaction to be able to carry out the design process from concept to detailed design without having to make significant changes. We look forward to feeling the same satisfaction after the construction work is completed as well.
Wiktor Bochenek: Thank you for the interview!
wood creates all the quality of this architecture
© P2PA
