take a dip and respect the environment at sweco architects' bathing resorts in denmark

environmentally-minded space for play

responding to silkeborg municipality’s vision of marking denmark‘s outdoor capital, sweco architects introduces its eastern and western bathing resorts at almindsø lake. the newly completed circular bathing resorts offer a range of activities for winter bathers, summer guests, athletes, and children — all while protecting the area’s special environment and the lake’s biodiversity.

the team notes that it takes inspiration from the organic forms found in nature, with the circle acting as the foundational concept behind the design. the interconnected bridges, with integrated buildings and facilities, will invite bathers to more easily move around the resorts — this way, the buildings and bridges will have a minimal impact on the surrounding environment. the new lake baths are constructed from locally sourced wood and will be bolted together without the use of fittings.

images © sweco denmark

biodiversity in denmark’s lake almindsø

the team at sweco architects designs its bathing resorts to protect the environment and biodiversity of silkeborg, denmark. the two bathing resorts were developed in close cooperation with the danish nature agency. the permission for the project is given based on a thorough habitat impact assessment, which ensures that the new resorts can be built without consequences for the area’s animals, plants, and aquatic environment. while the environment surrounding the lake of almindsø contains a high level of biodiversity, the team notes the several rare species of underwater plants.

peter kristiansen, creative manager for learning and leisure at sweco architects comments: ‘eastern and western bathing resort supports silkeborg municipalities vision of being denmark’s outdoor capital and offers various activities for both winter bathers, summer guests, athletes, and children. for example, there will be a sauna at eastern bathing resort, while both resorts will comprise changing facilities and safe, framed children’s pools.’

the mission of sweco architects

sweco architects’ bathing resort occupies the lake of almindsø, which marks one of denmark’s international protection areas — indicating the area’s commitment to maintaining good water quality. thus, the behavior of the guests is controlled and limited in order to minimize the resort’s impact on the natural context. the team’s vision of its bathing resort is to improve the visitors’ experience while introducing facilities that ensure the protection of the biodiversity in the lake and the surrounding nature.

the resorts were built without consequences for the area’s animals, plants, and aquatic environment
the behavior of the guests is controlled and limited in order to minimize the resort’s impact on the natural context
integrated bridges, buildings, and facilities invite bathers to more easily move around the resorts

the new lake baths are constructed from locally sourced wood

project info:

project title: bathing resorts

architecture: sweco architects
location: almindsø lake, silkeborg, denmark
lead architect: peter kristiansen
area: 2000 square meters
completion: 2021
photography: sweco danmark