in Eben am Achensee

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

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 resembling 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.

Panorama sauna area While the indoor pool area is located on the ground floor and thus creates a seamless transition to the outdoor pool, the sauna area is located on the upper floor and on the roof. A Finnish infusion sauna, organic pine sauna and herbal infusion sauna, infrared sauna and a steam bath are available for an invigorating sweat. This is followed by unmitigated relaxation with a view of the mountains on the spacious outdoor sunbathing decks or in the relaxation rooms. On the roof, users can look forward to an outdoor swimming area with an infinity pool and plunge pool. Integration to the landscape In summer, guests enjoy the benefits of the lakeside facility right on the shores of Achensee. Wooden sunbathing decks and walkways enhance the natural feel and ensure that the newly designed outdoor area blends harmoniously into the beautiful landscape. In winter, the artificial ice pad is open where users can play ice hockey or just skate to relax.

Atoll Achensee goes for sustainability The energy for heating, cooling and ventilation is supplied by four 280 kWh heat pumps. In winter, the waste heat

Erdgeschoss

from the artificial ice pad is also used for heating purposes. The nearby drinking water well was generously dimensioned when it was built to accommodate any changes in use and is now also used to generate energy.

In the design of the indoor and outdoor areas, attention has been paid to the use of natural, environmentally friendly materials. The numerous parkland areas were planted in a pilot project together with the Land environmental association in such a way that they flower perennially and do not have to be re-landscaped every year. The lighting concept respects the principles of the regional scheme to minimise light pollution. The many glazed surfaces are fitted appropriately to prevent bird collisions. Natural materials have also been used for the furnishings. The decor makes use of driftwood from Achensee, felt, sheep’s wool and other raw materials from Tyrol.

studio gollwitzer architekten gmbH Brienner Strasse 46 Commerzbank München Fon: +49 89 23 14 13 8-0 Amtsgericht München GF Dipl. Ing. Architekt 80333 München BLZ 700 400 48 Fax: +49 89 23 14 13 8-99 HRB 194636 Wolfgang Gollwitzer M.S. AAD Deutschland Kto.-Nr. 760 25 92 www.studioGA.de USt.-IdNr. DE 815