Top quality is standard at Troldtekt®

TWO EXAMPLES OF ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS IN ACTION

Author and photos Olaf Wiechers Acoustic solutions Troldtekt GmbH, DE – Hamburg, info@troldtekt.com, www.troldtekt.com

Whether in a minimalist competition pool or an aquatic wonderland, Troldtekt® delivers acoustic solutions that meet everyday and special requirements in equal measure. Because the lightweight wood-wool panels feature optimal acoustics, while being non-combustible, moisture-resistant and sustainable.

Swimming and other water activities are popular with all age groups, regardless of the level of sporting skill. At the same time, swimming pools provide recreation and collective fun for the whole family. In order to meet users’ varying expectations, clients and designers have to develop target-group-driven strategies that find expression in the pool architecture. In doing so, keeping an eye on both efficiency and sustainability is essential. Two interesting examples in the Ortenau district in Baden-Württemberg show how different pool design can be, depending on use.

Minimalist design at the Kinzigtalbad pool Located in Germany’s sunny southwest, the Black Forest’s Kinzigtal (Kinzig valley) in Baden-Württemberg is a popular holiday destination. An attraction for tourists and locals alike is the Kinzigtalbad pool. The all-year facility comprising an outdoor pool, indoor pool and sauna area is integrated into a sweeping park landscape, complies with the latest standards and promises the ultimate in bathing and recreational fun.

The Baden-Württemberg Chamber of Architects also recognizes that the new complex is of special value not only for users. Consequently, shortly after completion, the facility received one of the awards for “Exemplary Buildings” in the Ortenau district. The jury based its decision on the criteria of external design, dimensions and proportions of the building, internal spatial organisation, allocation of spaces and practicality, appropriateness of means and materials, constructive honesty, and integration into and interaction with the urban context and the environment.

The outdoor pool consists of a 25 meter competition pool, non-swimmers’ area, diving pool and spacious water playground for the youngest users. In the light-flooded swimming hall, there are a swimmers’ pool and a children’s pool with a toddlers’ area, with a watercourse, water fountain and slide. From the recreation and health pool with a water temperature of 34° Celsius, users access the outdoor pool, which can be used all year round. The abundant aquatic attractions are complemented by a panorama sauna and a sanarium with coloured lighting.

Matching the large floor tiles, bright ceiling tiles underscore the pool’s feel-good atmosphere. According to architect Gunnar Lehmann, the lightweight white wood-wool panels deliver excellent acoustic values, look classier than smooth ceiling tiles and blend in perfectly with the overall ensemble. In addition to their design function, the Troldtekt® acoustic panels suitable for use in damp environments are particularly noted for their ability to shorten reverberation.

Immersion in the magical Rulantica aquatic world Rulantica, the unrivalled fairy-tale aquatic world, provides excitement and an extraordinary aquatic experience for the whole family on an unprecedented scale. Covering an area of 40,000 m², the gigantic water park is located just a few metres away from Europapark Rust, Germany’s largest theme park in Baden-Württemberg. Integrated in a total area of 450,000 m², which also includes a hotel, the magical Nordic water world comprises nine elaborately themed areas populated by such fantasy creatures as mermaids, trolls and sea monsters. The attractions include 17 water slides, Germany’s largest wave pool, a current channel, several water playgrounds for different age groups, and waterfalls.

The park’s interior is located in a 32,000 m², 20 m high hall shaped like a seashell. It is spanned by one of the largest wooden roofs in Europe, which is carried by exposed wooden trusses (with a span of up to 50 m). The main façade is divided by façade towers into five wide elements which, with their delicate steel and glass structures, admit a striking amount of daylight into the hall.

The fact that it is surprisingly quiet in this stunning pool interior is due, firstly, to the many rocks and decorative elements, and, secondly, to the Troldtekt® acoustic panels installed in the ceiling. Suitable for use in damp environments, the panels made of Danish-sourced wood and cement have, among other things, outstanding sound-absorbing properties. Moisture-resistant, non-combustible and sustainable ceiling and wall facings The Danish Institute of Technology has demonstrated that Troldtekt® acoustic panels are suitable for rooms with a moisture load of up to 98 % (+/- 2 %) and temperatures of up to at least 40° Celsius. Troldtekt® thus achieves the highest CE marking rating (D) in the water resistance bracket. This result underlines Troldtekt®’s robustness as a choice for even the wettest and warmest environments, such as swimming pools, shower rooms and wellness facilities.

In addition to its standard flame-retardant acoustic panels (B-s1,d0), Troldtekt® also supplies its products in building material class A2-s1,d0 non-combustible, so they can be used wherever stricter fire protection regulations apply. Troldtekt® A2 panels achieve their fire protection effect solely through the use of special cement without the addition of toxic fire-retardant additives. In addition to the classic acoustic panels, the non-combustible Troldtekt® products available include Troldtekt® A2 panels, Troldtekt® design solutions, Troldtekt® baffles and Troldtekt® ceiling clouds.

Since the first quarter of 2022, all Troldtekt® panels have also been offered on the basis of FUTURECEM, a patented cement type from Aalborg Portland. The new Troldtekt® acoustic panels absorb more carbon than is emitted during EPD phases A1-A3. Both the classic acoustic panels and the solutions in the Troldtekt® design series are manufactured on the basis of FUTURECEM.