Eco-Friendly Swimming

Leisure complex organized around an ecological pool.

The completely redesigned Parc des Colombiers covers four hectares and the guiding principle behind its development takes into account respect for the environment and the enhancement of the site’s landscape.
The Chantemerle eco swimming pool fits naturally into this setting. This innovative design concept makes it possible to create a showcase aquatic space while being environmentally friendly. The site has been completely redeveloped, with the creation of a water feature, beaches, an open-air theatre and children's play areas.

Based on chalet architecture, the renovated buildings are clad in larch wood, and stand on pilotis in case of a rise in the water table. Particular attention was paid to the design of access points and areas around the bathing area, with the creation of a signposting system and a green pathway across the park. A jetty that provides access to the fishing area was designed to meet People with Reduced Mobility (PRM) accessibility standards.

Client : City of Saint-Chaffrey

Location : Saint-Chaffrey, France

Size : 2 522 m²

Status : Delivered

Date : 2012

Key points

  • Wood construction on pilotis.
  • Plant and water landscaping.
  • Respect for biodiversity.

Environmental perfomances

  • Eco pool.
  • Pure, untreated water.
  • Plant-based water purification system.
Download the project sheet
Plan de la baignade écologique

Intentions – Design Approach

The swimming area is fed by a borehole tapping into the accompanying aquifer of the Guisane River. The filtration basin, a true natural purifier, is composed of a garden of aquatic plants and pozzolana. It is a living space dedicated to well-being, offering the pleasure of swimming in the heart of nature in pure, untreated water — a truly unique experience.

The timber-framed buildings feature a high-performance insulated envelope with no thermal bridges.

Bord de la baignade écologique
Toit de la base de loisirs

A nature-based leisure area in the heart of Colombiers Park.

Saint-Chaffrey is one of the villages that make up the Serre Chevalier resort in the heart of the Guisane valley. Since the creation of the ski resort, tourism here has developed around a 4-season offering of a wide range of outdoor activities. The Parc des Colombiers, on the banks of the Guisane torrent, is a popular leisure area for users, set in unspoilt countryside. The aim of the project is to replace the old swimming pool with a variety of leisure activities while preserving the identity of the site. The swimming activity has been restored through an ecological pool using plant filtration. The exteriors of the leisure centre are designed to be natural, in keeping with the surrounding landscape. They are organised around six areas :

The central square

It features a tree-lined café terrace and a boules pitch. A palette of local trees, shrubs and perennials reflects the unique landscape of the Guisane valley, in particular the larch, an emblematic species of the Hautes Alpes.

The axis between the central square and the amphitheatre

A link between the square and the play-ground, this main axis distributes the buildings of the day-care centre and the restaurant, while connecting the square to the green amphitheatre.

The green amphitheatre

It has a capacity of 150 people and is made up of welded mesh gabions and wooden seats arranged in tiers. The 100m2 wooden stage is easily accessible via a wide walkway.

The public play area

The play area is made up of wooden play equipment and surfaces of rolled
gravel or wood shavings. This natural look is in harmony with the overall layout.

Flower meadows and play-grounds

This large area becomes an ice karting track in winter. The design incorporates the layout of the track, dividing the space into several monochrome flower meadows, structured by hedges. The play-ground includes tennis courts, a fishing pond, a picnic area and promenades.

Biological bathing

The pool is integrated into the landscape with banks planted with aquatic species. Several water levels ranging from 25cm to 2m allow young and old alike to enjoy a swim. The water flows from the bathing pool to the lagoon, where it is purified before being returned to the bathing pool.

Vue de la baignade biologique de st-chaffrey

Team

Patriarche (Architecture, Interior Architecture, All-Trades Engineering, Environmental Quality, Cost Management, BIM, Urban Planning, Landscape Design, Signage)
Partner: Green Concept

Credits :

Pictures : ©Mohsen Ozlati

Program

Culture-Sport
Hotel
Public
Le Mistral Renovation of the Nanterre Judicial Court