Baths of Géronde

Sierre, Switzerland

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Baths of Géronde

Sierre, Switzerland

Firm

NAU

Type

Hospitality + Sport › Sports Center

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2014

SIZE

10,000 sqft - 25,000 sqft

BUDGET

$10M - 50M

Photos

Roger Frei (14)

The renovation and extension of the historical outdoor pool complex “les Bains de Géronde” is designed as a delicate insertion in the landscape in continuation with the historical structure from 1932. The development of the new pool landscape follows the sinuous local topography, with its boulders, trees, and lush slopes. The new stainless-steel pools are conceived of as two water surfaces hovering slightly above the lake of Géronde, providing sublime views of the surrounding scenery. The zones around the pools also lead to boardwalks and floating docks, providing swimmers direct access to reeds, rushes, and other indigenous species. Re-naturalizing the shoreline, and creating a sensitive connection to the lake, served as a central theme to the project. The renewed natural landscaping frames the swimming area, creating an idyllic setting for the bathing experience.

The original semicircular changing-room building by Hans Bieri, a historical building embedded in the landscape, serves as a second source of inspiration. Two new arms extend from Bieri’s original horseshoe geometry, housing the entrance, service areas, and locker-room facilities. The resulting ramping structure allows for both the harmonious integration of the new program as well as the creation of a rooftop promenade for strolls around the lake in the offseason, when the baths are closed. The careful restoration of this modernist facility and the addition of new structures and technical installations to bring the complex up to date create a coherent and playful ensemble in the spirit of the original building. 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 extension and returns the picturesque location of Géronde to the foreground.

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Baths of Géronde

Sierre, Switzerland

Other Projects by NAU

Inside Out: Raiffeisenbank Schaffhausen

Open Lounge: Raiffeisenbank Kreuzplatz

Baths of Géronde

Sierre, Switzerland

Product Spec Sheet

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