Swimming pool in Erlenbach by illiz architecture

The Vienna-based studio illiz, led by a trio of architects, designed a new indoor swimming pool in the municipality of Erlenbach on the eastern edge of Lake Zurich. The building, located in the Allmendli sports area, originally served as an underground military shelter. After a three-year renovation in collaboration with local engineering firm Pöyry (which also participated in the construction of the Gotthard Tunnel), the pool was created, with its entrance and all facilities hidden in an earthen embankment. Only a low black block that covers a short pool with four lanes protrudes above ground. The upper part features a reinforced concrete coffered ceiling, which remained in its raw state (only with a protective coating). The swimming pool is only suspended from the original structure, eliminating the need for costly foundation work. The deeper you dive into the underground area, where the changing rooms and showers are located, the darker the green color of the tiled walls becomes. Conversely, as you move upward, the tiles transition to white, similar to the experience of diving in a natural lake, which you can see while swimming in the pool. While during the day the shiny black building leaves a massive impression, at night the large glass surfaces illuminate and highlight the lightness of the supporting structure.

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