The new swimming hall project in the Matinkyl\u00e4 area of Espoo was challenging in terms of architecture, due to its location in the immediate vicinity of a major shopping centre. Despite a total area of almost one hectare, the goal was for the hall to give an impression of a small pavilion-type building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The swimming hall has five pools, the main pool 50 metres long and with eight tracks. The key objectives of the project included long-term strength of structures as well as energy efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The building has a pre-cast reinforced concrete frame. The wet areas of the swimming hall and auxiliary facilities feature massive intermediate floor and roof structures, i.e., concrete structures covered with thin-shell slabs. Hollow-core slabs have not been used, due to the risk of humidity condensing inside the cores. Special attention was paid to the airtightness of the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Due to the long span, the weight of the primary beam system of the precast concrete frame was reduced by using EPS insulation to obtain a lower specific weight for the concrete: this made it possible to reduce the weight of the precast elements from 55 tons to 40 tons, or by almost 30 percent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Concrete, wood and glass play the main roles on the facade. The roof houses a solar power plant as well as a green roof designed for the retention of stormwater loads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The concrete walls of the hall are enlivened by a beach patterning executed with ornamental precast concrete panels, as if created by waves. The same pattern is found also on the facades, in addition to the internal walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The use of acid-resistant steel in the pools made for an easier construction process. The steel pools are supported on steel rails mounted on a concrete floor slab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The entrance lobby, caf\u00e9 and gym are located on the street level and the pools one floor down. The caf\u00e9 looks out into the busy Matinkyl\u00e4 area of Espoo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n