Swimming Pool Saint-Prex by LVPH Architectes: A Minimalist Civic Landmark Balancing Simplicity and Comfort

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This article covers topics related to Architecture, Public Building. Minimalist white concrete pool in Saint-Prex with warm wooden interiors, serving both schoolchildren and public in a serene atmosphere.

Minimalist white concrete pool in Saint-Prex with warm wooden interiors, serving both schoolchildren and public in a serene atmosphere.

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UNI Editorial published Story under Architecture, Public Building on Jun 29, 2025

Located in the scenic municipality of Saint-Prex, Switzerland, the Swimming Pool Saint-Prex, designed by LVPH Architectes, is more than just a sports facility—it’s an architectural intervention that enhances the educational and public realm. Completed in 2020, this 2,000 m² aquatic center integrates seamlessly into the existing Cherrat College campus, shaping both its physical and social fabric.

Urban Integration and Protective Positioning

The swimming pool’s location was carefully chosen to serve a dual purpose. While it adds essential recreational infrastructure, it also acts as a buffer between the school and the urban street. Positioned at the edge of the campus, the building helps define and shield the school’s playgrounds, offering both spatial clarity and safety from the surrounding vehicular environment.

Material Simplicity Meets Interior Warmth

Architecturally, the swimming pool is expressed as a compact, white concrete volume, minimalistic in form yet impactful in presence. The exterior is stark and monolithic, embodying the restrained elegance of contemporary civic architecture. In contrast, the interior offers a warm and calming atmosphere, achieved through the use of whitewashed fir wood slats, which soften acoustics and elevate the sense of serenity.

This balance between external minimalism and internal comfort reflects a thoughtful duality—a shell that is reserved and modest from the outside, yet inviting and human-scaled on the inside.

A Functional and Flexible Sports Facility

Inside, the building hosts two main aquatic spaces: a 25-meter lap pool and a learning pool, designed for flexibility and multiple user types. The design accommodates simultaneous use by schoolchildren and the general public, reflecting a focus on accessibility and community service.

The architects prioritized user experience and comfort through spacious waiting areas and six well-equipped changing rooms. These amenities ensure smooth circulation and enhance inclusivity, supporting various age groups and swimming abilities.

Acoustic Comfort and Sensory Design

By integrating high-performance acoustic treatments, the space avoids the typical echo-heavy atmosphere found in many public pools. Instead, it cultivates an environment where swimmers and visitors alike can enjoy both physical activity and sensory relaxation.

This design ethos aligns with the project's broader goal: to create a swimming facility that supports well-being, education, and social engagement, all within a sustainable architectural framework.