Dietmar Feichtinger Architectes

The stunning location of the village Saint-Gervais-les Bains, surrounded by an imposing mountain landscape, dominated by the summit of the Mont Blanc, asks for a simple architectural gesture that avoids any drastic intervention in the surrounding idyllic nature.
The lines of the volume perfectly adapt to the site and take over its shape. The volumes result from the adaptation to topographic fact and are sublimated by the subtle design of the facades.
The public swimming pool is built into the natural slope on three levels, ground floor and 2 basement levels. The ground floor is directly connected with the public space and houses the reception and administrative offices. The esplanade connects the building by footpaths with the parking area and the other public roads.
The reception volume is discreetly integrated into the landscape but underlines at the same time the entry to the new public building. It is a glazed volume that sets apart from the rest of the integration into the slope.
The delicate wooden slat cladding on the east and south façades guarantees a certain intimacy for the employees in the administrative offices but allows a clear look onto the remaining facades and the surrounding landscape.
The changing rooms are located on level -1, in direct connection with the spa which is equipped with 2 saunas, a steam bath and a massage area. The showers and toilets are located on level -2, the large pool and the outside areas are directly connected.

Competition 2009
Start of planning 02 | 2010
Start of construction 11 | 2012

Surface 4 375 m²
Exterior spaces 3 700 m²
Pool volume 16 059 m3