A pool among mountains. Baths of Géronde by NAU
14/07/2016.
Swimming pool series 2016 [Lake of Géronde-Sierre] Switzerland
metalocus, ÁLVARO LAMAS
metalocus, ÁLVARO LAMAS
Among summer storms sunshine and heat still raging, so today we propose a doubly refreshing site. Among the mountains of the Swiss Alps, on Lake Géronde, to the refreshing alpine climate a functional pool by the lakeside joins to it.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography © Roger Frei.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography © Roger Frei.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography © Roger Frei.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography © Roger Frei.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography © Roger Frei.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography © Roger Frei.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography © Roger Frei.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography © Roger Frei.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography © Roger Frei.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography © Roger Frei.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography © Roger Frei.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography © Roger Frei.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography ©Jean-Lucien Gay.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography ©Jean-Lucien Gay.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography ©Jean-Lucien Gay.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography ©Jean-Lucien Gay.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography ©Jean-Lucien Gay.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography ©Jean-Lucien Gay.
Baths of Géronde by NAU. Photography © Roger Frei.
Location floor plan. Baths of Géronde by NAU.
Main floor plan. Baths of Géronde by NAU.
Diagrams. Baths of Géronde by NAU.
Sections. Baths of Géronde by NAU.
The studio from Zurich NAU architects have carried out the reform of these ancient baths. Regenerating the coast and building two pools formally very interesting. The complex has been added to those of a complex of this type, such as a cafeteria, infirmary and changing rooms, a waterslide and a walking area for winter provisions when the pool is closed.
Description of the project by NAU
The renovation of the historical outdoor pool complex “Les Bains de Géronde” is designed as a renaturalization of the shore, recreating a sensible connection to the lake. The new pools are conceived as two water surfaces hovering slightly over the lake of Géronde with stairs and boardwalks providing swimmers direct access to the lake. The design of landscape follows organic forms. The shores are re-naturalized using local vegetation such as water lilies, reeds and other indigenous species. The renewed natural landscaping encompasses the swimming area, creating an idyllic setting for the bathing experience.
The original semicircular changing-room building by Hans Bieri, embedded in the landscape, serves as a second source of inspiration. Two new arms housing the entrance, the service areas and the sanitary spaces extend Bieri’s original horseshoe geometry as a welcoming sign on the west and as a meandrous ramp along the hillside on the east. The resulting terrace allows for both the harmonious integration of the new program, and the creation of a roof promenade for strolls around the lake in the off-season, when the baths are closed. The careful restoration of this modernist facility enhances its impact. The material palette, limited to concrete, aluminum and wood, serves as a contemporary counterpart to the historical features. The pioneering spirit of modernist sport architecture informs this sustainable expansion and brings in return the picturesque location of Géronde to the foreground.
More information
Architects
NAU
Team
Jean-Lucien Gay, Marc Guinand, Maggie Planchat, Leonard Kocan, Nadine Jerchau, Inez Henny, Roberta Margnetti, Knut Brunier, Murielle Leucker, Martyna Michalik, Stephanie Adamou.
Built area
960 sqm with 640 sqm water area
Construction Management
Giorla & Trautmann Architekten
Civil Engineer
Jean-Marie Viaccoz Sàrl
Sustainability
Enerconseil SA
Mechanical Engineer
BTC Bonvin Technique Concept
Electrical Engineer
RTM Réalisations Techniques Multiples SA
Environmental consultant
IMPACT SA
Michael J. BROWN
Michael J.Brown is an accomplished practitioner with years of experience running high-profile, international projects. Michael worked for Studio Daniel Libeskind in Berlin and New York from 1999 to 2005. There, he directed the design and construction of several award-winning cultural buildings and had a lead role in the World Trade Center competition. Now heading NAU´s Berlin office, he regular contributes to journals, lectures and pursues research with Studio Digital-Analog. This academic body, formed at the University of Fine Arts, Berlin, integrates traditional teaching methods with emerging digital tools.
Jean-Lucien GAY
Jean-Lucien Gay is head of NAU´s Zurich office. Jean-Lucien is an architects and exhibition designer with international background. After studying at he ETH Zurich and at the TU Delft, he took a central role at the Studio Daniel Libeskind (Berlin/New York), designing and building several high profile projects in Europe, Asia and the US. Promoting a cross-border approach, he leads NAU into an experimental field focusing an spatial design and innovative concepts. In parallel, he teaches at Accademia di Architecttura in Mendrisio, researching at the crossroads between spatial design and new technologies.
Marc GUINARD
Marc Guinand. During and after the completion of this studies at the ETH in Zurich, Marc Guinand collected experience at various prestigious architectural firms such as OMA, Max Dudler and Tristan Kobler. In 1999, he co-founder Drexler Guinand Jauslin Architects, where he developed projects of all scales trough design, planning and construction phases. He considers architecture as not only a complex engineering task but also as a deep-rooted, cultural expression of the people, which requires a multi-faceted, culturally rooted vision and a strategic flexible design methodology.
Nadine JERCHAU
Nadine Jerchau following her architectural studies, which traced a line trough the TU-Berlin and the Art Academy Copenhagen. Nadine founded Plan A - a cross-disciplinary think tank promoting process - oriented and intuitive design approaches. As an architects and scenographer, she strengthens NAU´s architecture and exhibition design expertise. Installations, spat ion design and architectural representation constitute the core of the research that she pursues in parallel in her academic career, which began at the ETH Zurich and led to her current position as lecturer at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
Categories
Our selection
