Beyond swimming. Tournesol pool by URBANE KULTUR

Description of the project by HI-MACS

Within the framework of a program entitled '1,000 Pools', launched back in 1969 by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Recreation, the architect Bernard Schoeller designed the 'Tournesol' (or 'Sunflower') pool, a structure which opens its 'petals' when the sun comes out. The project, which was quite ahead of its time, was carried out in 183 French towns from the mid-70s to the early 1980s. One of the pools is located in Lingolsheim, in the heart of a residential zone.

An architecture contest was organized to see who could come up with the best plan for renovating the 'Tournesol' pools. The architecture firm URBANE KULTUR, founded 15 years ago by Dominique Cornaert and Philippe Dahan, won the contest with flying colors thanks to their ad hoc proposal.

Among the most important elements included in the mission statement were the installation of spacious and open unisex changing rooms, the restoration of the interior and exterior of the domed ceiling, and the thermal optimization of the structure.

It was the domed ceiling that made the whole operation particularly complex. The main issue became how to successfully extend the building without altering its unique, space-age look in order to preserve its intrinsic qualities.

The basic structure was left unaltered. The dome was renovated, energy-saving improvements were put in place and the mechanism allowing the structure to slide open 120 degrees was maintained. Inside, the changing rooms were demolished allowing enough space for three separate pools. The extension that now houses the entrance hall, changing rooms, offices and technical facilities is independent of the 'Tournesol' pool area.

Like a boomerang, it envelopes the dome without touching it. The patio between the two structures is a landscaped area that plays with light and transparency. Swimmers get the impression they are out in the open air in this bright and airy space where the innovative architectural concept invites the outdoors in.

The flexibility of HI-MACS® has allowed architects to be as demanding as they like. Hugging the curves of the UFO-like dome, the 'Solid Surface' was thermoformed into a double curvature to merge with the existing structure and clad the arched forms.

A canyon of light has been created to light up the canvas stretched above the expanse of new generation acrylic stone. The surface of the dome is adorned with a smooth white lining punctuated with portholes, also made using resin

"Scratch-proof and extremely resistant to wear and stains, acrylic stone is the answer to problems confronted by public places subject to heavy traffic like pools such as the 'Tournesol'," affirms the architecture firm URBANE KULTUR.

The areas in the extension are all organized around the windowed patio that lets in plenty of natural daylight. Clever use of transparency means that all public zones communicate visually. Open to the outside world, the flowing structure has become easily identifiable.

The calming influence of the sober design allows swimmers to enjoy a moment of peaceful relaxation. The patio solarium extends out from the indoor beach. Made using a light shade of exposedaggregate concrete, it is skid-proof, soft to the touch of bare feet and adorned with sun loungers and parasols. The garden solarium is on a gentle slope. The forecourt runs the length of the Rue de la Normandie, overlooked by the largely glazed entrance hall. The double transparency from the patio to the swimming pools invites you to enter.

"New generation acrylic stone has contributed to creating optimal light circulation and a calming atmosphere providing optimal conditions in which to welcome the public," explains one of the architects in charge of the project.