On the eve of the Olympic Games, the Centre Aquatique AQUAVAL in Taverny is ready to welcome swimmers from international delegations.
Between architecture and nature
The aquatic center blends harmoniously into the existing green fabric, contributing to the enhancement of the site in a peaceful relationship with the surrounding landscape.
The architectural concept emanates from the specificity of the program and the site, harmoniously integrating the plant and aquatic universe into all components of the project. Fluid volumes, dynamic lines and selected materials create a building that seems to emerge naturally from its surroundings.
The Olympic pool hall defines the major perspective of the project from the site entrance, inviting visitors to discover the aquatic world inside. The building’s facades, clad in micro-perforated textile protections inspired by foliage, provide privacy, solar protection and a unified link between architecture and nature.
Resonating with the surrounding Aguère forest, the framework of the Olympic pool hall is made up of glued-laminated timber trusses, directly inspired by the plant world. The framework is made up of seven juxtaposed “leaves” in an image evocative of the tree canopy.
This quest for extreme finesse has accentuated natural light and the relationship with nearby nature.
These elements incorporate large skylights providing natural zenithal light.
Bioclimatic design
All the volumes are designed to optimize light and sunlight, and are based on a bioclimatic concept:
Natural ventilation and solar heat gain;
Acoustic protection from the noise of the A115 freeway;
A controlled carbon footprint through the use of bio-sourced materials;
Cost control over the life of the facility through the use of technologies designed to reduce energy and water consumption;
A hierarchy and fluidity of circulation optimizing the distribution of spaces to meet the multiple expectations of users in a safe environment. The design is based on a combination of the 3 pillars of passive design: A principle of energy sobriety: design of an envelope that reduces needs;
A principle of efficiency: choice of low-energy consumption equipment for all uses; A principle of sustainability: use of renewable or recovered energies both for the building’s own needs and to cover residual needs.
All the elements of the project work together to offer passers-by and users alike, in their immediate and more distant surroundings, a variety of visual perceptions, bringing the building to life and placing the spectator at the heart of the sporting event.
