“Les Thermes” Leisure Centre in Strassen-Bertrange, L with Jim Clemes and Witry & Witry
description

A large communal leisure amenity set in the landscape but yet easily reachable in terms of transportation. T he building is elliptical in plan, the volume is (to quote the architects) a “flying saucer”. Deliveries are made underground; at ground floor level there is a large entrance hall that functions as a distributor and is connected to the swimming area by floor-to-ceiling glazing. From the hall one makes one’s way to the changing rooms, swimming zones, sauna area as well as to the lift leading to the upper floor. T here are three different swimming areas, each separated by broad relaxation zones with rich planting and separate access to the outside. T wo of the zones offer sports pools, wave pools, a whirlpool, an 80-metre-long slide, et cetera. T he third area contains various kinds of sauna facilities and provides access to a visually screened outdoor area. O n the upper level, in addition to the administration offices, there are also two restaurants: one is internal, the other is also accessible from outside. From here there is a seductive view of the baths and the landscape. This is a classic concrete building; the roof structure is made of laminated timber beams – due to the large spans but also to the aggressive chlorine in the air. Both floors and walls in the hall and wet areas have the same covering to achieve a certain degree of homogeneity. I n the entrance hall and in the main public entrance the walls have been left in exposed concrete, but have been given a colour glaze. I n all areas the architects have paid particular attention to creating views through the building and of the outdoors. It is intended to erect a fitness centre on the upper floor in a second building phase.
DATA

Client: CNI Les Thermes
Competition: 2004
Start of planning: 2004
Start of construction: 2005
Completion: 2008
Usable floor area: 8.950 m2
Enclosed volume: 60.560 m3
Outdoor area: 29.000 m2

Atelier d'Architecture & de Design Jim Clemes s.a.
witry & witry architecture urbanisme