RIAI | Irish Architecture Awards

Citation

Dublin Over €3,000,000

A strong and deceptively simple concept for a modern swimming pool,  well resolved in the final building. The striking garden elevation is complemented by  sides which tie the extension in a convincing manner to the existing buildings. Inside, the confusing requirements of multiple uses has not been allowed to cloud the clarity of the overall design. This building is a clear role model for those faced with similar problems elsewhere.

Architect's Comment
Sportslink who have been a Client of the practice for 10 years or more commissioned us to design a swimming pool complex as the fourth phase of development of their sports and leisure facilities at Santry.

Having visited many swimming pool complexes in both Ireland and the UK, established our Clients' budget for their facility and having prepared a series of sketch options on the layout we agreed on the plan as constructed: one large pool hall of regular shape to enclose all facilities including the six lane racing pool, the wave pool including beach area, the lazy river feature, the flume water slides, the sunken bubble pool and the sauna and steam room.

Furthermore our Clients required that the other facilities such as the pre-gymnasium exercise room, the members Function Room and members Bar would overlook the pool hall to enjoy the view of the pools when full of bathers and at night when the pool hall is lit by underwater lights within the pools.

The architectural resolution of the different constituents of the brief was to present an assembly of three adjoining buildings of different character. Central in the composition is the giant pool hall constructed entirely of glulam Siberian larch posts, beams that span the full width of the hall and roof decking where the mono-pitch roof pitches upwards and outwards towards the adjoining playing fields and evening sunshine, seen through the full height glazed screens. On either side of the pool hall are the light weight steel framed functions building housing the Members Bar, Function Room and Club Offices to the south and the massive insitu cast concrete plant building which is clad in aluminium panelling and louvers to the north.

The space created between the existing buildings and the new pool hall is roofed over and top lit from the new double height galleried main entrance foyer to the entire complex, where all of the existing and new circulation is rationalised and can be controlled to ensure the smooth and efficient management of a complex assemble of facilities.

The project included substantial external works including the construction of a new coach and carparking area to the north of the existing buildings, the doubling in size of the existing carpark to the south, the excavation and mounding of the external rainwater retention pond and the construction of an external barbecue terrace and children's play area.

Clients' Comment
Sportslink Leisure Complex has grown steadily over the past fourteen years.

The first phase consisted of a large sports hall, a health and fitness centre and a function area. Phase II and III in the mid '90's added outdoor all weather football and tennis and additional changing block facilities.

However, increased competition in the leisure market together with an expanding membership required that we engage our architects to provide a substantial new facility.

Together with the architects we embarked on extensive field trips at home and abroad to identify the product.

The new leisure pool together with all the attendant features, flumes, lazy river, competition pool, bubble pool, saunas all overlooked by the extended glazed fitness and bar areas is that 'product'.

A new centralised reception area has now been provided to combine the existing old and new facilities in a practical cohesive way. The membership's reaction has been very positive and we are delighted with the 'state of the art' facility which the Design Team and Contractors have delivered to us.