Restructuring and extension of swimming pool in Bagneux, southern suburbs of Paris (France)

The purpose of our project, in an urban redevelopment area, is to transform the building’s image.
The refurbishment and extension form a harmonious mineral body. The extension is in light grey concrete, and the original building, with external insulation, is faced with cement in the same shade. This minerality is continued through to the hall floor, in Lucerne quartzite laid as opus incertum.
The scale of the new building, reinforced in this way, displays its strong urban presence. Its large cantilever and forecourt provide a generous amount of public space. A play of light recalls the reflection in the water on the east facade. The exterior signing is on the same scale as the building, and the archway serves as a giant sun-break.
The project creates a break in time, with unforgettable ambiances, soft lighting, fluid architectural promenades, and curves replacing right-angles.
The distribution area is flooded with unusual blue-tinged aquatic light, provided by a horizontal porthole in the bottom of the children’s paddling area. The light changes with the movement of the water.
The space of the double-height relaxation area is encompassed by curved shapes; an attractive rounded window frames the view of the garden.
The architecture of the existing large area (two pools) is conserved. The incline of the structure is emphasised; the subtle play of oblique lines also adds a contemporary touch.
The paddling pool offers children the feeling of being wrapped in a cocoon. The area is curved, which reduces sound reverberation naturally. The tall bay window floods the small round pool with sunlight. The place is designed to appeal to children’s imagination.
The large terrace is treated like a beach, with a tall concrete safety guard providing bathers with privacy.
This is a place for discovery, in harmony with the ergonomics of the body.

CLIENT :
Communauté d’agglomération Sud de Seine

ARCHITECT :
Dominique Coulon et associés, Architects
Dominique Coulon, Benjamin Rocchi, Architects
Arnaud Eloudyi, Sarah Brebbia, Gautier Duthoit, Architects assistants.

Construction site supervision : Agence Olivier Werner

ENGINEERS AND CONSULTANTS :
Structural Engineer : Batiserf Ingénierie
Mechanical Electrical Plumbing Engineer : Alto Ingénierie
Cost Estimator : E3 Economie
Acoustics : Euro Sound Project

PROGRAM :
Swimming pool 25m
Learners pool
Paddling pool
Saunas
Hammam
Relaxation aera
Dressing rooms
Showers
Solarium

ADDRESS :
1 avenue de Stalingrad 92 220 BAGNEUX
GPS : 48.804271, 2.317933

SURFACE :
3431 m2

COSTS :
8 038 000 euros

DATES :
Schematic design : 2009
Completion date : 2014

CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES :
CARI (structure), DBS (water proofing, roofing), Reithler (exterior joinery), SPR Bâtiment et industrie (external insulation), Myrtha Pools (stainless steel metalworks), Darbois (interior wood work), ERI (metal works), Luso plaque et plâtre (plastering and painting works), Koehler & Fils (tiled and screed works), Etandex (resin floors), Euro-ascenseur (elevator), Huard (electricity), Guiban (heating, ventilation, water treatment), Suede Sauna (sauna – hammam)

PHOTOGRAPHERS :
Clément Guillaume, David Romero-Uzeda