ATMOSPHERIC, ENDURING, AND COMMUNICATING IDENTITY INDOOR AQUATIC CENTRE IN STUTENSEE
Location Stutensee, Germany Client/operator City of Stutensee Architects 4a Architekten GmbH Hallstraße 25 DE-70376 Stuttgart www.4a-architekten.de Fine stoneware and tiles Agrob Buchtal Author Petra Steiner Photos David Matthiessen Official opening September 2018 Construction costs EUR 7 million
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Plans for the new swimming pool focused on the construction of a high-quality building with an impressive design and a long service life. For this reason, the sustainability requirements of government-funded municipal building construction (NBBW subsidy programme) were applied in the development of the new building. The exterior of the compact building structure appears plain while the interior is infused with a vibrant, bright atmosphere that offers visitors maximum comfort. Stutensee aquatic centre is located between the school and sports centre and the new festival ground on the outskirts of Stutensee. Due to the high groundwater level, the new build was constructed two metres above ground level. This elevated position increases the presence of the structure’s exterior while providing greater privacy within its interior, thereby enhancing the building’s welcoming quality. Architecturally, Stutensee aquatic centre is divided into two spatial volumes which are clearly apparent from the outside. The spacious bathing hall comprises a swimmers’ pool, a learners’ pool with a slide and a toddlers’ area, all of which amounts to a
total water surface of 368 m². A roofed terrace to the east further extends the facilities in the outdoor area. The adjoining entrance and changing area with shower and ancillary rooms to the south contrasts with the bathing hall due to its reduced ceiling height. The two structures interlock in terms of shape and materiality and merge together from the outside through a circumferential ribbon on the sheet steel façade. Exposed on the outside, cosy on the inside The entrance to the new indoor pool is oriented towards the west. An imposing exposed-concrete outside staircase marks the entrance sb 6/2018