dietmar feichtinger architectes transforms swimming pool kibitzenau

dietmar feichtinger architectes renovates swimming pool kibitzenau
photo © david boureau
all images courtesy of dietmar feichtinger architectes

dietmar feichtinger architectes has carried out the renovation and extension of a swimming pool facility for public and professional use, in the kibitzenau neighborhood of strasbourg, france. the project’s efforts include a building addition housing a new family area and training pool, resurfacing of the main pool with stainless steel, and reorganization of support programs, such as changing rooms, offices, and circulation. moreover, new glass curtain walls allow for increased daylight and visual connection to the surrounding garden. the non-transparent portions of the façades have been clad in large panels of polished stainless steel, which reflect the surrounding grass and sky.

a new family and training pool building extends from the existing structure on the south corner
photo © david boureau

the kibitzenau swimming facility was initially opened in 1965, and comprised of an olympic-sized pool with eight lanes. the renovation work adds a second and smaller pool, while making the overall building more luminous and spatially open through the use of glass interior partitions, curtain wall exteriors, and six domed skylights in the roof. the spacious quality is further achieved through tall ceilings, varying between 8 – 11.5 meters in height. additionally, the work exposes certain elements of the original structure, such as concrete beams and HVAC systems.

a wood deck on the southeast side offers a place for sunbathing
photo © david boureau

polished stainless steel cladding reflects the surrounding grass and trees
photo © david boureau

the building’s southwest elevation
photo © david boureau

tall glass curtain walls allow for visual openness to the outside from the main pool hall
photo © david boureau

the renovation work included the exposure of the structure’s deep concrete beams
photo © david boureau

interior partitions allow for transparency between the facility’s spaces
photo © david boureau

photo © david boureau

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project info:

location: strasbourg, france
client: communauté urbaine de strasbourg
design team: dietmar feichtinger architectes (mandatory), quadriplus groupe (engineering)
surface: 6,501 sqm
cost: 21.5 M€ excl. VAT
completion: july 2014