Great suggestions at the presentation for the larger Ásvallalaug swimming pool.

Aiming for a magnificent outdoor area at Ásvallalaug

Around seventy people attended an information meeting about the expansion of the Ásvallalaug outdoor area and the proposal for a new teaching pool – and that despite the men's football match between Iceland and France! The group took the time to influence the development of Ásvallalaug.

The architectural firm Batteríið developed the concept for the area with the Environmental and Implementation Council. Guðbjörg Oddný Jónasdóttir, chair of the council, chaired the meeting. Davíð Ingi Bustion presented the conclusion.

„Hafnarfjörður Swimming Club is the best swimming club in the country and the Ásvallalaug the best training swimming pool in the country. How do we meet this and come up with something new that focuses on relaxation and tranquillity?“ he asked at the start of the presentation, explaining the concept behind this initial design for the area, on which the meeting's guests could then offer suggestions and give their opinions.

Explained these first drafts

Davíð said that they at Batteríið had thought about introducing some softness to contrast with the boxy indoor pool. They have developed a method to create complex shapes in a simple and cost-effective way. The idea was to create visual connections between swimmers so that everyone could help look out for one another.

„We're looking to create such a fun area that children won't look elsewhere, where it's harder to keep an eye on them,“ he said. „Although parents are watching their own children, it's important to get everyone involved in looking out.“

He described how the landscape was used in the design. Humps, hills and lava fields were allowed to shine. An analysis had been carried out. The conclusion:

It is important to be able to keep an eye on the children.

He described how they had visited 8-10 swimming pools when designing the new area at Ásvallalaug.  They had taken inspiration from Lágafellslaug for the water slide. Parents could easily watch the children as they slid. The drawings also included a wet steam room, a dry steam room, a lava stream and a walking trail.

„It became very clear that people who don't come to swim want to be able to keep up with the swimming pool,“ said Davíð at the meeting, which was held in a room at Ásvallalaug. „This is a neighbourhood pool, and it's important that it serves the neighbourhood.“

He walked over the shaded area. „This couldn't be in a better spot for sun,“ he said. „In summer, the sun is out all day.“

Many questions and suggestions

Various questions were raised at the meeting: „Will the pools be deep enough?“ was asked. The answer: „Yes, absolutely,“ said Davíð, explaining that their depths would vary. 'We offer many and varied experiences to suit everyone.'

The question was asked whether an attempt would be made to protect the moss. „Yes, according to the plan it is protected. This is done by fencing off the area while the work is in progress.“ The lava field would not be disturbed. „Every effort will be made not to disturb the moss.“

It was asked whether the leak in the entrance hall would be repaired, and he replied that this was a good opportunity to look into it. It was asked how the acoustics would be handled. The answer was that they would be added afterwards. „The idea is that the plants and the screen will help.“

Suggestions for an outdoor competition pool

One of the suggestions was that the outdoor swimming pool should have 8 lanes so that competition rules could be followed. Its depth was also raised, and it was stressed that it must be no shorter than 25 metres. Davíð and representatives from Batteríið said that everything would be reviewed. The suggestions were good. It was also asked whether a variable-depth floor could be fitted.

A question was asked about the cold plunge pool and its temperature. Also about the cost. Guðbjörg Oddný said the next step was to analyse the cost in more detail. Emphasis was also placed on safety during the construction period. The meeting was very good. The pool was reviewed as a whole; the changing rooms and how the residents of Hafnarfjörður could be best served.

„This is a community project,“ Davíð concluded. „It requires the active participation of residents. Meet with family and friends: talk about the pool and get people to contribute. We will consider all suggestions.“

• Send YOUR idea to the email address: hafnarfjordur@hafnarfjordur.is