Reflections of vitality. Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés
28/03/2024.
[Fondettes] France
metalocus, JORGE MARTINEZ
metalocus, JORGE MARTINEZ
Dominique Coulon & associés has been the architectural studio awarded with the project for the construction of a new swimming pool complex in Fondettes, a French town and commune, located in the Centre-Loire Valley region, department of Indre et Loire, in the district of Tours and canton of Luynes, in France. The project is located in an urban environment for mainly residential use.
The architects, who have already carried out other similar facilities such as those in Bagneux, managed the project to create a friendly interaction between architecture and the landscape thanks to a totally ergonomic formalization. The architecture of the design has the ability to create a new landscape where the white perimeter walls extend into the distance and seem to reflect the natural and anthropized horizon that surrounds the facilities.
The architects, who have already carried out other similar facilities such as those in Bagneux, managed the project to create a friendly interaction between architecture and the landscape thanks to a totally ergonomic formalization. The architecture of the design has the ability to create a new landscape where the white perimeter walls extend into the distance and seem to reflect the natural and anthropized horizon that surrounds the facilities.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Site floor plan. Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés.
Floor plan. Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés.
Sections plan. Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés.
Elevations plan. Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés.
Schemes. Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes designed by Dominique Coulon & associés is developed on a volume with a lunar and dreamlike shape that culminates its series of concave lines at the entrance to the town, the exterior spaces of the complex slide to the highest point of the building to house the largest pools within a double height.
Even though the facades are formed by curved lines, the interior distribution is arranged with rigorous orthogonality, in order to generate an elegant and comfortable contrast between curved and straight lines to reflect an impression of vitality. Natural light was an important aspect for the project, in this way the sunlight combined with the reflections in the water highlight the true dimensions of the spaces.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Even though the facades are formed by curved lines, the interior distribution is arranged with rigorous orthogonality, in order to generate an elegant and comfortable contrast between curved and straight lines to reflect an impression of vitality. Natural light was an important aspect for the project, in this way the sunlight combined with the reflections in the water highlight the true dimensions of the spaces.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Project description by Dominique Coulon & associés
The swimming pool complex lies beside the entrance to the town of Fondettes, just a few kilometres from the city of Tours. The urban backdrop here is mainly residential with a housing estate. The site of the swimming pool complex is completely flat. It faces a roundabout that was recently built.
The edifice plays the demanding role of signalling its presence while creating a new landscape. Its long white walls stretch afar and seem to reflect the skyline. The outline of this structure is lunar and dreamlike. It unfolds in the middle of fields, its series of concave lines culminating in the town's entrance. With perspective, its curved walls, which extend over a hundred metres, reach spellbinding slenderness and a mesmerising scale. These elevations enclose the complex’s outdoor spaces and glide up to the building’s highest point to house the largest pools within a double height. The roof follows these walls, so it naturally slopes with them.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
The layout of the swimming pool complex is rigorously orthogonal. Set within the sweeping curves of the enclosing walls and the slant of the roof, the spaces give an impression of vitality. The staggered arrangement of the pools creates a circuit that is varied and fun. Though the spaces are open, they reveal themselves gradually throughout the circuit.
Natural light combined with reflections in the water brings out the true dimensions of the spaces. There are many different points of view and extensive transparency offers countless vistas of the landscape. Everything here is designed to give the place a playful, gentle dimension.
The subdivided spaces are designed like refuges. They consider people with ergonomics and comfort.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
Swimming pool complex in Fondettes by Dominique Coulon & associés. Photograph by Eugeni Pons.
The outdoor spaces have been designed like an open-air interior. The plants that dot them serve as filters between the complex and the spaces reserved for sports. The wellness space extends outside in the form of a sun deck.
This project creates a peaceful interaction between architecture and landscape. And the construction design is resolutely ergonomic.
More information
Architects
Dominique Coulon & associés. Dominique Coulon.
Project team
Contracting owner.- Tours Metropolis, Val de Loire (T.M.V.L.).
Project management assistant.- Mission H2O.
Project managers.- Thibault Muller, Hannes Libis.
Project assistants.- Olivier Werner, Lukas Unbekandt, Adrien Petit.
Site supervision.- Olivier Werner, Hannes Libis.
Perspectivist.- Denis Gabillat (la banq), Weiß images.
Project management assistant.- Mission H2O.
Project managers.- Thibault Muller, Hannes Libis.
Project assistants.- Olivier Werner, Lukas Unbekandt, Adrien Petit.
Site supervision.- Olivier Werner, Hannes Libis.
Perspectivist.- Denis Gabillat (la banq), Weiß images.
Collaborators
Associate architect (site supervision).- Olivier Werner.
Technical design - Structure.- Batiserf Ingénierie.
Technical design - Electricity.- BET Gilbert Jost.
Technical design - Fluids.- BET Gilbert Jost.
Technical design - Environment.- BET Gilbert Jost.
Economist.- E3 Économie.
Acoustical engineer.- Euro sound project.
Site scheduling, coordination and management.- CRX ouest (excluding contract administration).
Landscape designer.- Bruno Kubler.
Roads and services.- Lollier Ingénierie.
Technical design - Structure.- Batiserf Ingénierie.
Technical design - Electricity.- BET Gilbert Jost.
Technical design - Fluids.- BET Gilbert Jost.
Technical design - Environment.- BET Gilbert Jost.
Economist.- E3 Économie.
Acoustical engineer.- Euro sound project.
Site scheduling, coordination and management.- CRX ouest (excluding contract administration).
Landscape designer.- Bruno Kubler.
Roads and services.- Lollier Ingénierie.
Area
2,340 sqm (floor area).
Dates
Competition.- June 2016.
Design work.- September 2016 - December 2017.
Site work.- September 2018 - August 2020.
Design work.- September 2016 - December 2017.
Site work.- September 2018 - August 2020.
Location
Rue Alfred de Musset, 37230 Fondettes, France.
Budget
€ 7,615,000.
Manufacturers
General excavation, carcass, structural steel work.- grouping of EGDC S.A. and Bourloton.
Roofing, sealing.- SMAC.
Exterior aluminium joinery, glazing, metalwork.- Franchet.
External heat insulation and facing, scaffolding.- Europeinture 37.
Polymerised stainless steel coating for pools, pool fittings.- Myrtha Pools.
Interior wood joinery, furnishings, changing cubicles, lockers, signage.- Gauthier Jack S.A.S.
Partitioning, inner partitioning, ceilings.- Technics S.A.
Tensioned false ceilings.- Rezig.
Screed, tiling, faience.- Vinet Group.
Painting.- Roulliaud.
Fittings for paddling pool, "pentagliss" waterslide.- Futuraplay S.à.r.l.
Service lift.- CFA, a division of NSA.
Electricity, low voltage, high voltage.- Eiffage Energie Systèmes, Val de Loire.
Heating, ventilation, sanitary facilities.- Engie – Axima.
Water treatment.- ETE.
Outdoor facilities, roads and services.- TAE.
Roofing, sealing.- SMAC.
Exterior aluminium joinery, glazing, metalwork.- Franchet.
External heat insulation and facing, scaffolding.- Europeinture 37.
Polymerised stainless steel coating for pools, pool fittings.- Myrtha Pools.
Interior wood joinery, furnishings, changing cubicles, lockers, signage.- Gauthier Jack S.A.S.
Partitioning, inner partitioning, ceilings.- Technics S.A.
Tensioned false ceilings.- Rezig.
Screed, tiling, faience.- Vinet Group.
Painting.- Roulliaud.
Fittings for paddling pool, "pentagliss" waterslide.- Futuraplay S.à.r.l.
Service lift.- CFA, a division of NSA.
Electricity, low voltage, high voltage.- Eiffage Energie Systèmes, Val de Loire.
Heating, ventilation, sanitary facilities.- Engie – Axima.
Water treatment.- ETE.
Outdoor facilities, roads and services.- TAE.
Photography
Dominique Coulon
Dominique Coulon & associés. Located in the heart of Strasbourg, Dominique Coulon & Associés is a firm of architects of national and international renown.
For more than 25 years, the agency has earned a reputation for the quality of the public facilities it designs. It has worked on a wide and varied range of programmes, including a media library, music school, auditorium, school complex, swimming pool, sports facilities, a residential home for the dependent elderly, and housing.
Dominique Coulon and his three associates Steve Lethos Duclos, Olivier Nicollas and Benjamin Rocchi allow their intuition to lead the way as they seek to develop contextual projects that combine contrast and complexity, where the outer envelope hints at inner richness. Spatial quality and natural light are fundamental elements in every project: space is always controlled by precise geometry.
The agency has received many awards and distinctions: firstly in 1996 with the Prix de la Première Oeuvre for the ‘Pasteur’ lower secondary school in Strasbourg, followed by a number of nominations for the Équerre d’Argent award in 1999, 2002 and 2003. In 2006 it was a prize-winner in the PEB1 Compendium of Exemplary Educational Establishments organised by the OECD, for the ‘Martin Peller’ school complex in Reims. In 2008 it was nominated for the BSI Swiss Architectural Award and for the European Union prize awarded by the Mies van der Rohe Foundation, for the National Drama Centre in Montreuil. It has received a Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award on three occasions. In 2014, it won the Pool Vision Contest prize in the ‘public pools’ category, for the swimming pool in Bagneux. In 2017 it received the first prize in the Eiffel Trophies rewarding steel architecture, for the Media Library (Third Place) in Thionville, and was nominated for the European Union prize awarded by the Mies van der Rohe Foundation, for the residential home for the dependent elderly and the residential centre for handicapped people in Orbec.
For more than 25 years, the agency has earned a reputation for the quality of the public facilities it designs. It has worked on a wide and varied range of programmes, including a media library, music school, auditorium, school complex, swimming pool, sports facilities, a residential home for the dependent elderly, and housing.
Dominique Coulon and his three associates Steve Lethos Duclos, Olivier Nicollas and Benjamin Rocchi allow their intuition to lead the way as they seek to develop contextual projects that combine contrast and complexity, where the outer envelope hints at inner richness. Spatial quality and natural light are fundamental elements in every project: space is always controlled by precise geometry.
The agency has received many awards and distinctions: firstly in 1996 with the Prix de la Première Oeuvre for the ‘Pasteur’ lower secondary school in Strasbourg, followed by a number of nominations for the Équerre d’Argent award in 1999, 2002 and 2003. In 2006 it was a prize-winner in the PEB1 Compendium of Exemplary Educational Establishments organised by the OECD, for the ‘Martin Peller’ school complex in Reims. In 2008 it was nominated for the BSI Swiss Architectural Award and for the European Union prize awarded by the Mies van der Rohe Foundation, for the National Drama Centre in Montreuil. It has received a Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award on three occasions. In 2014, it won the Pool Vision Contest prize in the ‘public pools’ category, for the swimming pool in Bagneux. In 2017 it received the first prize in the Eiffel Trophies rewarding steel architecture, for the Media Library (Third Place) in Thionville, and was nominated for the European Union prize awarded by the Mies van der Rohe Foundation, for the residential home for the dependent elderly and the residential centre for handicapped people in Orbec.
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