A pond-like pool is located in the Swiss wilderness of Riehen. It invites both locals and visitors to enjoy the natural environment the pool emits.
Herzog & de Meuron was able to bring Riehen’s citizens their dream of a new swimming pool.
Herzog & de Meuron was awarded a design contest in 1979. This gave them the financial and time resources to build a brand new bathing facility. The architects decided to ditch the traditional pool concept and opt for a biological filter system to maintain the pool in a more natural state. The Riehen residents discussed this approach and eventually agreed on it years later. This led the architecture firm in 2007 to start construction of the pool.
The standard geometric swimming pools transform into a natural bathing pool. Instead of the typical technical systems and machinery rooms associated with pools, filtering cascades are planted.
The site is enclosed by a timber fence on two sides. However, the southern edge, facing the river, is left open and is only bounded by a green hedge. A timber fence blends seamlessly into the amenities building on the eastern side, which includes the entrance, supporting facilities, such as a café.
On the other side of the road, the biological water treatment basins have been embedded in the lovely landscape. The swimming pool can accommodate 2,000 bathers a day in terms of ecological cleaning. The public can use the pool all year round. The project’s ultimate goal was to create a vibrant atmosphere while maintaining a timeless look. It achieved this.
The article was first published in AQUA Magazine, the leading resource for pool and spa retailers, builders, and service professionals. All industry professionals can subscribe to the print edition of AQUA Magazine for free. Subscribe by clicking here.
