Slangen+Koenis Architects . photos: © Norbert Tukaj
Our goal for the urban plan was to create a clearly defined placement of the program elements; parking, public square and swimming pool. The entrance square with its subtle slope naturally leads visitors to the entrance of the building. At the same time, it creates a protected public square with a pleasant human scale, decreasing the vastness of the predominately flat surrounding area. Integrated seating elements enable visitors to sit and meet people. The square takes a central position in the overall area and is directly linked to the public footpath connecting the swimming pool, parking and sports arena.
For the building we sought to find a solution that would combine the various program elements, the structural needs of a swimming pool and the location. To maximise the efficiency of the available space we raised the building 1,5m and placed it on a green hill. We then made an incision in the hill to create a sloped entrance square and giving the building a distinct volume on the hill. The advantages of this solution are, amongst others, a clearly defined space for the entrance square, the minimisation of possible structural complications, the investment for the basement in regard to the ground water level, and a building volume that can hold its own between the other large-scale buildings in the area.
To give our design a strong local identity we researched the local architecture and characteristics of the city. We found that an important aspect of Klaipeda, influenced by its history and position as an important harbour, was that of a strong and tough expression of materials and composition. From this starting point we developed a façade with steel vertical lamellas that combines the toughness of the city and local architecture and at the same time has an interesting rhythm and a pleasant scale for visitors.
Within this structure we created glass openings positioned to maximise viewing angles from the most used functions. Additional to this we have a number of perforated zones that allow for extra light or ventilation where needed. At night the openings in the façade highlight the internal functions and create an atmospheric public space. The position of the openings is carefully chosen, large windows where transparency is wanted and appropriate and translucent in areas where more privacy is required or where direct sunlight is unwanted.
The interior of the complex has a natural palette; white, medium grey and wood as the predominant colours. Within this palette accent colours are used for signage. The functional block, containing showers, toilets and storage has been designed as a dark grey block whereby public access is highlighted with white voids.
The functions of the complex include a 50m competition pool with spectators area, a 9m deep diving tank, a spa, fitness and commercial spaces. Carefully organising the different elements resulted in a strong but human-scaled volume in which the users can easily and instinctively find their way and where every square meter has a clear function.
The 50m competition has a unique layout with a movable floor with hinged boom giving the opportunity to create 2 x 25 m, and submersible platform in one quarter of the pool. This creates the possibility to (simultaneously) use the pool for swimming lessons, competitions, aqua sports and recreational swimming. The layout doesn’t only improve the functionality and flexibility but also creates the opportunity to save energy.
The design, with it’s simple, compact configuration and optimal use of natural daylight, enables a sustainable daily operation. With the design of the technical installations we have incorporated extensive measures for to minimise the heat and energy use as much as possible whilst retaining the ease of use and comfort.
By using heat pomps, low-temperature-heating, out of hours pool cover (with the movable pool floor), an innovative BAopt ventilation system and the optimised high quality insulation values of the façade and roof, the energy use of the building is greatly reduced. The water systems have also been meticulously analysed and has resulted in extremely low water usage. The lighting in the public areas are done with LED lighting combined with daylight and movement sensors. The PV panels on the roof provide enough renewable energy to cover the lighting of the entire complex.
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Commission: Total engineering
Size: 8.426 m2 GFA
Program: 50m competition pool with spectators stand (500 fixed seats), 9m deep diving tank, sauna/spa area, restaurant, fitness area, commercial spaces
Duration: April 2014 – June 2018
Architects: Slangen+Koenis Architects, IJsselstein (The Netherlands) in combination with Cloud Architektai, Vilnius (Lithuania)
Team: Erik Slangen, Jakko Koenis, Dean Moran, Dick Valkenburg, Sjef Vosters Partners: BBP Advies, Bastenhof Consultancy, Lievense Adviseurs en Ingenieurs,
Sweco Lithuania
Photography: Norbert Tukaj
Client: City of Klaipeda
User: Klaipėdos Baseinas
Location: Dubysos g. 12, LT-93231 Klaipėda, Lithuania
