The Češča Vas Pool Complex in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, designed by Enota, is a remarkable example of contemporary architectural practice seamlessly integrated with its natural surroundings. Located adjacent to a recently renovated velodrome, the pool complex adheres to Enota’s principle of minimal spatial disruption, utilizing the topographic advantages of the inclined terrain to blend effortlessly with the existing landscape.
Češča Vas Pool Complex Technical Information
- Architects1-4: ENOTA
- Location: Češča vas, Novo Mesto, Slovenia
- Topics: Pools
- Area: 4,770 m2 (Site: 13,370 m²)
- Completion Year: 2024
- Photographs: © Miran Kambič
Our preference was to not drastically alter the spatial relationships with the erection of the new swimming pool facility, as it would introduce disorder that the space could do without, and further saturate it.
– ENOTA Architects
Češča Vas Pool Complex Photographs
Innovative Spatial Design
Enota’s design features two interior pools with comprehensive infrastructure, with plans for an exterior Olympic-sized pool in the second phase. The complex’s spatial design is characterized by partially dug-in levels that create a tiered, amphitheater-like environment. This strategic elevation difference ensures the entrance hall is isolated from traffic surfaces while aligning the lowest pool area with the surrounding terrain at the westernmost edge. The resulting banks of cut terrain serve as natural grandstands for visitors.
This design choice enhances the visitor experience and reduces the facade’s surface area, increasing energy efficiency and lowering investment costs. The risks associated with increased excavation are effectively mitigated through this balanced approach.
Architectural Features
The Češča Vas Pool Complex boasts a low, floating roof, allowing the landscape to flow seamlessly. This roof houses all non-water-related programs, providing varying ceiling heights—higher above the pools and lower at the reception and changing areas. The roof’s structural design, utilizing a grillage of wall beams concealed within partition walls, permits large spans with minimal vertical supports. The perimeter lighting creates an impression of the roof hovering above the pool surface, with expansive views of the surrounding nature from within.
The entrance side’s cantilevered roof acts as a canopy, complemented by the dug-in amphitheater surface, forming a welcoming exterior entrance platform.
Materiality and Aesthetic
The pool complex’s material palette is simple and restrained. The facade of the floating roof is clad in natural, unvarnished timber boards that will age gracefully, blending the building further with the forested surroundings. The tilted geometry of the roof reflects the local rural architecture. The amphitheater spaces and program platforms are constructed from local concrete with varying finishes. Inside, the ceiling of the pool area is uniformly colored in a warm hue, providing a cozy, inviting atmosphere despite the absence of filled perimeter walls. This interior accent subtly invites users from the surrounding exterior space.
Češča Vas Pool Complex Plans
Češča Vas Pool Complex Image Gallery
About Enota
Founded in 1998, Enota aims to create a contemporary, critical architectural practice driven by collective development. Enota’s team of architects, led by Dean Lah and Milan Tomac, focuses on research-driven design that interweaves contemporary social organization studies with new technologies. Their solutions are informed by the natural environment, resulting in buildings that are strongly integrated with their surroundings.
Enota’s continuous evolution reflects their commitment to surpassing conventional architectural boundaries, fostering innovation, and developing effective solutions for complex modern challenges.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Cost: 7,000,000 EUR
- Client: Novo Mesto Municipality
- Project Team: Dean Lah, Milan Tomac, Jurij Ličen, Nuša Završnik Šilec, Polona Ruparčič, Sara Ambruš, Eva Tomac, Eva Javornik, Urška Malič, Rasmus Skov, Sara Mežik, Jakob Kajzer, Peter Sovinc, Carlos Cuenca Solana, Goran Djokić
- Collaborators: Ivan Ramšak (Structural Engineering), Nom Biro (Mechanical and Electrical Services), Krajinaris (Landscape Architecture), Histi and Myrtha Pools (Pools), Controlmatik ABW (Pool Technology)
