RING-SHAPED ISLAND OF ADVENTURE ATOLL ACHENSEE SWIMMING AND LEISURE POOL IN EBEN AM ACHENSEE
Location Eben am Achensee, Austria Client Municipality Eben am Achensee Operator Freizeitzentrum Achensee GmbH Architect studio gollwitzer architekten GmbH DE – 80333 Munich www.studioga.de Author studio gollwitzer architekten Photos Atoll Achensee Official opening October 2018 Constuction costs EUR 20 million
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A rooftop infinity pool, a spa with five different types of sauna, a fitness area with mountain views and a bouldering hall: as a 50,000 m² leisure attraction on Tyrol’s largest lake, the Atoll Achensee creates ideal conditions for swimming, taking a sauna, indulging oneself, relaxing and competing. The swimming and leisure centre designed by Studio Gollwitzer Architekten is dedicated to nature, health and wellness. Achensee (lake) lies north of Jenbach in Tyrol, 380 m above the Inn valley. With the Achen valley, it forms the border between the Karwendel mountain range in the west and the Brandenberg Alps in the east. Achensee, which is up to 133 m deep, is the largest lake in Tyrol. It has excellent water quality (almost drinking water standard) with up to ten metres of visibility under water. As befits a mountain lake, its water temperature is low and hardly ever exceeds 20° Celsius. Opaque metal façade The main entrance to the swimming and leisure pool is located on the busy main road at Achensee. The closed, curved façade communicates the dynamics and energy of the building. The opaque metal façade develops out of round discs resem-
bling water droplets, which gradually merge to yield a closed surface. This “inverse perforated façade” structures the large area and at the same time admits daylight into the changing area while maintaining privacy. Outward views and sightlines through the building have been strategically organised. The indoor pool and the sauna area – complemented by the office wing of the tourism association – form the nucleus of the ensemble. The 25-metre pool is intended for competitive swimmers and is also used for courses and familiarisation with water. A special highlight is the relaxation pool with its indoor and outdoor areas. Here, numerous attractions such as massage loungers, a lazy river and bubble seats invite users to linger and unwind. sb 3/2021
