2521 Sports centre, Almere
- Size
- ca. 6.050 m² GFA
- Commission
- Integrated design
- Duration
- October 2012 - March 2016
- Budget
- ca. € 10.500.000
Across from the existing top sport centre, in the green field development Olympia Kwartier (Olympia Quarter located in the new town Almere Poort which is part of the Amsterdam metropolitan area) a new indoor sports centre has been realised based on the 2521 Simply Swimming concept.
This concept is based on a ‘lean and mean’ 25x21m pool that is largely focussed on sports. The dimension of the pool in combination with a partly movable pool floor increases the flexibility and functionality of the swimming pool. Due to the clever floor plan with its compact layout and visual connections, the building can be operated more efficiently. A wide range of sustainability measures including very high thermal insulation, innovative water treatment and building services installations ensure a further reduction in operational costs.
The stacked configuration of the program components gives the building a highly sculptural effect that responds to its environment.
The stacked configuration of the program components gives the building a highly sculptural effect that responds to its environment. The building has a robust, stone-like plinth. For the top layers white profiled metal cladding was chosen. Important public spaces are emphasized by means of expressive façade openings. These are designed as warm ‘eyes’.
The glass offers a view of the wooden finishes of the swimming room and sports hall. This creates a strong relationship between the public outdoor spaces and the interior. Secondary daylight openings have been placed in the second line behind slats that merge seamlessly into the façade rhythm. This not only creates exciting vistas, but also transforms the building at nightfall, when the interior spaces begin to speak and the openings in the façades are emphasized.
The interior materialisation consists of vibrant and functional finishes which are combined with wooden wall cladding and ceiling panels. This creates a both warm and sporty atmosphere. The complementory pallet of blue and beige colours, makes public areas recognizable and strengthens the orientation within the complex.
