Åkeshovs simhall, Stockholm / Sweden
Chemistry to build on
Project Full-scale refurbishment and remodelling of existing indoor baths dating from 1959 Renovation of 25-metre competition pool plus addition of two learners' pools and a paddling pool Use of Sopro system solutions for all levelling, waterproofing and tiling works
Signboard Design practice
Liljewall Architects, Stockholm, Sweden
Applicator
Kakelspecialisten, Stockholm, Sweden
Contract volume
Approx. 4,000 m²
Completion
January 2018
Products Sopro GD 749 primer Sopro's No.1 flexible tile adhesive (order no. 400) Sopro's No.1 rapid-set flexible tile adhesive (order no. 404) Sopro MEG 667 megaFlex TX highly flexible tile adhesive Sopro FEP plus epoxy tile grout Sopro DBE 500 epoxy tile adhesive Sopro TF+ high-strength tile grout Sopro Sanitary Silicone Sopro MDM 888 medium-/thick-bed tile adhesive Sopro TDS 823 two-component turbo sealing slurry Sopro Rapidur® M5 rapid-set screed mortar (order no. 747) Sopro SBP 474 swimming pool render Sopro BH 869 construction resin Sopro EPG 522 epoxy primer Sopro PU-FD 570/571 surface sealant for walls/floors
Åkeshovs simhall, Stockholm / Sweden I www.sopro.com
www.sopro.com
Finished scheme
Åkeshovs simhall, Stockholm / Sweden I www.sopro.com
Construction phase
Åkeshovs simhall, Stockholm / Sweden I www.sopro.com
Construction phase
Åkeshovs simhall, Stockholm / Sweden I www.sopro.com
Construction phase
Åkeshovs simhall, Stockholm / Sweden I www.sopro.com
Åkeshovs simhall, Stockholm
Stockholm's most modern swimming pool
Following wholesale refurbishment and remodelling to meet contemporary demands, the Åkeshovs simhall baths reopened in January 2018. It now ranks as the Swedish capital's most up-todate swimming pool. All levelling, waterproofing and tiling works were performed using Sopro system solutions. Built in Stockholm's Åkeshov district in 1959 to the designs of architect Åke E. Lindqvist, the original building with swimming pool and sports hall was hailed as "a pearl of civic architecture". Particularly remarkable are the imposing glass surfaces and distinctive V-shaped roofs which make the pool spaces read as large pavilions. By the turn of the millennium, however, the wear and tear of nearly 50 years' service was becoming increasingly noticeable. The decision was taken to combine the necessary refurbishment works with a contemporary extension, which was to include, among other things, an additional 25-metre pool, two learners' pools and a paddling pool for toddlers. The changing rooms also underwent alteration while a new fitness room was inserted around the existing internal courtyard. Essentially, the approach adopted by the Stockholm-based designer, Liljewall Architects, was to make a series of clearly defined additions to the existing facility, though without diverging from the basic principle of large, simple spaces linked by glazed corridors.
Best-practice substrate preparation and state-of-the-art waterproofing As is standard in swimming pool construction, ceramic coverings in all varieties pervade the remodelled Åkeshovs simhall baths in Stockholm, featuring as a key aesthetic and functional element throughout – from the changing rooms, showers and toilets to the various swimming pools and pool decks. The elaborate levelling, waterproofing and tiling works were performed by the Stockholm contractor Kakelspecialisten, Sopro Bauchemie GmbH's Swedish trade partner, which not only operates its own experienced team of tilelayers, but also runs an excellently organized technical department that provides on-site supervision in all project phases. For the above works, the project team opted for the use of tried-and-tested system products tailored to swimming pool applications from the Sopro Bauchemie GmbH range. Most of the pool substrates were evened out with Sopro SBP 474, a sag-resistant, rapid-set, Portland cement-based render and surface filler containing specially
selected, continuously graded mineral aggregate. Sopro SBP 474 is used to produce level, plumb and true substrates for the subsequent installation of ceramic, natural stone and cast stone coverings. The low-chromate material can be applied as a levelling render in 3 – 30 mm coat thicknesses to even out surfaces in swimming pools and similar water-retaining structures. The pool edges were levelled using a further product, Sopro Rapidur® M5, a ready-to-use, polymer-modified screed mix for the particularly economical production of rapid-set cement screeds allowing early flooring installation. The surfaces below the tiling were reliably waterproofed with Sopro TDS 823, a highperformance, flexible, rapid-set, two-component, cementitious sealing slurry used to install crackbridging membranes. It is suitable for application in wet spaces, swimming pools, and on balconies and patios. Most importantly, as a two-component system, it ensures weather-independent drying. Based on Sopro MicroGum® technology, the sealing slurry also excels by its extra-high flexibility, very low consumption rate, creamy consistency and smooth workability.
Tile laying and grouting with Sopro's high-performance products
thicknesses, both indoors and outdoors. Given that its Rhenish trass constituent reduces the risk of efflorescence and discoloration, it is ideal for laying large-format tiles and dark, deformationresistant natural stone coverings using the medium- or thick-bed method. Its rapid-setting properties also lower the possibility of dishing/ curling when used with critical materials. The joints in the coverings were finished using Sopro TF+, a brilliantly coloured, high-strength, rapid-set, cementitious tile grout (meeting CG2 WA requirements to DIN EN 13888) for grouting stoneware, fully vitrified stoneware, natural stone, cast stone and mosaic with 1 – 10 mm joint widths. Its lime-film-free finish ensures a brilliantly coloured joint pattern with lasting appeal, for both indoor and outdoor applications, and especially in moisture-exposed areas. While allowing the familiar application methods used for cementitious products, it also offers high mechanical strength and abrasion resistance thanks to the incorporated Mikrodur® microcement. This makes Sopro TF+ a viable alternative to reaction resin grouts and the ideal option for swimming pools and wellness suites. Throughout the project period, from the design to the production phase, Sopro's Project Consulting and Technical Service teams were at hand to provide their Swedish partner with technical support.
The tile coverings and ceramic swimming pool fittings were expertly installed using Sopro’s No.1 and Sopro’s No.1 rapid-set flexible adhesives. As their C2 TE S1 rating certifies, the two products are both highly deformable and, by virtue of their high polymer modification and fibre reinforcement, highly sag-resistant. Key benefits for applicators include the smooth, creamy workability of the very-low-emission products. Particularly important on tightly scheduled contracts is the fact that coverings laid with Sopro’s No.1 are walkable and groutable after approx. 12 hours and those installed with Sopro’s No.1 rapid-set after only 3 hours. Another adhesive specified for the Stockholm baths was Sopro DBE 500, a two-component epoxy tile adhesive to DIN 18156 for the installation of ceramic coverings using the thin-bed method. It is resistant to aggressive waters, alkaline solutions, diluted mineral and organic acids, and is also suitable for critical substrates and heavier-duty service loads. Fittings and channel units were installed with Sopro MDM 888, a flexible, rapidset, polymer-modified, cementitious mediumand thick-bed tile adhesive for up to 30 mm bed Åkeshovs simhall, Stockholm / Sweden I www.sopro.com