School Poolhouse
This ‘shed’ for a swimming pool is a work of architecture that is inspired by the swimming / diving body. A set of concrete columns holding up steel trusses is designed into an elegant space that is warm and welcoming. From concept to detail, there is a consistency to the design that works towards making it a wonderful space.
The design takes inspiration from the diver’s posture. The upright body, in preparing for a dive, stands extended, ready to jump. This inspires the design of the twin columns. The beautiful curve of the diver’s body, just as soon as she enters the water, shapes the form of the steel trusses.
A shed can be beautiful architecture with simple utility woven with elegant structure, light, shadow and reflection.
The swimming pool structure has a simple plan. The rectangular swimming pool is enclosed by sloped walls and a curved roof. From this basic requirement, the design brings art and engineering together by folding both into its intent.
The idea of detail lends a deep character to the well-lit space. The 25mx 32 m wide pool structure was spanned across using boat shaped trusses. Exposed concrete columns hold up the trusses in beautiful detail which are carefully crafted in the fabrication yard. The trusses are supported at the ends by light steel brackets emerging from in between the two split concrete columns. The beauty of the trusses was enhanced by skylights that extend along their length and let the daylight diffuse in. The solar panels are located on the roof but remain unobtrusive yet well oriented.
The large windows on either side bring ample direct sun-light that reflects off the water to cast fluid patterns on the walls. The quality of light within the poolhouse makes it seem more open that it is. Privacy is preserved but so is openness. Utilitarian spaces and equipment are also given care and place. The change rooms and toilets are lively and elegantly designed. The pump room is dug into the ground, over which the coach’s room sits neatly.
Photography: Shine Parsana
