de architekten cie builds sustainable swimming pool complex in amsterdam

de architekten cie builds sustainable swimming pool complex in amsterdam
(above) ‘noorderparkbad’ façade
all images courtesy of de architekten cie

located in amsterdam north and designed by local-based practice de architekten cie, the ‘noorderparkbad’ swimming pool is a free-standing building with an airy appearance that invites the public to step inside. by focusing on easing the transition between landscape and building, and breaking down the typically large scale of a pool accommodation, the ‘noorderparkbad’ is emphasized as a pavilion in the park. the softly shaped volumes and curved rain curtains are the mediators between building and park. two stacked volumes determine the shape of the building. by moving the upper volume to the rear, the building blends well with the scale of the park as well as the residential area. in addition, the setback enables the penetration of daylight deep into the building.

video courtesy of bna communicatie

the wavy rain curtain is the most striking element of the ‘noorderparkbad’. primarily an education element, it communicated how closely the swimming pool is connected to water. on a rainy day, the water flows like a waterfall trickling down the curtain and lets the visitor see how rainwater becomes bathing water. on sunny days, the curtain shimmers like a congealed cascade, while on wintry days, the ice crystals transform the building into an ice palace. also, the curtain theatrically marks the entrances to the pool: it’s pulled up and guides the visitor into the building.

backside with the pools that open in the summertime

the ‘noorderparkbad’ is the new public family pool for the north of amsterdam and will serve an important social function. the traditional theme of a bathhouse as a meeting place in the neighborhood is reflected in the atmosphere of the interior. intimate enclosed spaces alternate with high ceilings and skylights. the wooden rhomboid roof construction and finishes of floor, ceiling and wall in traditional materials lends the building a warm atmosphere.

backside with the iron curtains that lead rainwater into gray water circuit

the ambitions concerning a sustainable design for the ‘noorderparkbad’ are very high and already taken into account from the layout of the floor plan. acting like a warm blanket, the secondary functions are therefore wrapped around the three halls of the various pools, which are heated to high temperatures. only the south facing elevations of these halls have no climate buffer, allowing the sun to heat the space and visitors to enjoy the beautiful view over the park. 

the name of the building is sculptured in the brickwork

inside three pools with different functions 

view to the outside pools 

sunlight can reach deep inside the building

artist hugo kaagman designed the flooring in a ‘pixel-art’ style 

ground floor plan with ‘pixel-art’ pattern

first-floor plan

section with the three pools lying in different heights

the pool lies as a pavilion completely free within a park in amsterdam north

project information:

project architects: branimir medić , pero puljiz
project team: hans hammink , louis afonso , lars van hoften , paulos kinfu , rink alberda , theo martens
client: gemeente amsterdam
program: outside: sunbathing lawn, 25 meter pool, shallow pool with slide, toddler pool, parking area.
installation advisor: deerns raadgevende ingenieurs, groningen
acoustics advisor: lbpi sight, nieuwegein
structural engineer: raadgevend ingenieursbureau van rossum, amsterdam
date of commission: 2011
date of construction: 2013-2014
gross surface: 5.500 m²

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edited by: juliana neira | designboom