Swimming-Hall in Gotha

Swimming-Hall in Gotha

Veauthier Meyer Architekten

Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer

ARCHITECTS
Veauthier Meyer Architekten

ARCHITECT IN CHARGE
Veauthier Meyer Architekten

GROSS AREA
4,000 M2, Conversion - 4,400 M2, New-build

CONSTRUCTION
2008-14

SCOPE OF WORK
Complete Architectural Services

AREA
4400 M²

DESIGN TEAM
Andreas Veauthier, Nils Meyer, Andreas Schön, Jojo Grieger, Tobias Reckert, Judith Knocke

LOCATION
Gotha, Germany

YEAR
2014

CATEGORY
Swimming Pool, Extension

Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer

Text description provided by architect.

The community swimming pool in the town of Gotha in Thuringia , a listed building dating from 1909, is typical of the municipal baths of its time.

The art nouveau building (designed by William Goette) served as a municipal pool prior to unification, but was then closed following a sale to a private investor.

Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer
Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer

Re-purchased by the city in 2007, a Europe-wide architectural competition posed the question of how to integrate this historic building within a new handicapped-accessible sports, health and leisure complex.

The urban concept involves the expansion of the historic baths complex on both flanks with two modern buildings.

Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer
Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer
Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer

To the East lies an expansive new sauna landscape, while the competition-standard 25-metre pool and the training pool are located to the West.

The striking cubic forms of the new low-level buildings are generated from the context:

their restrained height prevents these building from overshadowing the neighboring older buildings in the now densely developed site.

Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer
Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer

The lighting concept for the building is orientated around the original architect’s solution, translated, of course, into modern form:

the new pool is illuminated by natural light flowing generously from the long sides and the front façade of the building.

Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer
Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer

The transition from the old to the new building is highlighted with a new staircase that serves both as a viewing gallery and communal zone.

On completion of the construction work in 2014 the historic building itself, newly framed and sympathetically restored, becomes an active element – indeed, the communicative and atmospheric centre – of the ensemble.

Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer
Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer

Within it the original swimming pool, revitalized both technically and aesthetically, offers space for wellness courses and treatments; the former sauna area serves as a zone for rest and relaxation.

Throughout the refurbishment of the listed substance many existing details such as original tiles and floors were carefully and authentically restored.

Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer
Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer
Swimming-Hall in Gotha
© Klemens Ortmeyer


Swimming-Hall in Gotha
Elevation E
Swimming-Hall in Gotha
Elevation E
Swimming-Hall in Gotha
Elevation
Swimming-Hall in Gotha
Elevation S


Swimming-Hall in Gotha
Site Plan
Swimming-Hall in Gotha
Groundfloor Plan


Swimming-Hall in Gotha
Section L
Swimming-Hall in Gotha
Section A
Swimming-Hall in Gotha
Section S