WATER CULTURE HOUSE CPH

Water and the harbor front are intrinsic to urban life in Copenhagen and are used throughout the year in a wide variety of ways. The new Water Culture House, an aquatics centre located in the heart of the harbor, seeks to celebrate the significance of water in the history, culture, and life of Copenhagen’s inhabitants.

ROOTED IN THE HISTORICAL ROOFSCAPE

The project is situated on Papirøen as part of an overall masterplan to develop the entire island into a diverse mix of residential, office, and public space. The aquatics centre occupies a prominent corner site that called for a multi-directional building acknowledging the historical context of the Christiansholmer roofs, the new masterplan proposal, and the unique character of the site.

A LUMINOUS VOLUME ON THE WATERFRONT

The building is conceived as a sculptural cluster of five “pyramids,” constructed from yellow-toned bricks, responding to the surrounding context. Slices and perforations in the façade create beautiful light patterns both internally and externally and provide spectacular views across the city for visitors. A ribbon of glass at ground floor level encircles the building, creating a vast, open public space where views of the harbor can be enjoyed by swimmers inside the building. Outside, terraced pools cascade down to the open water of the harbor. Nestled within the roof structure, an outdoor “valley pool” offers a truly unique, elemental experience.

Alongside swimming facilities, the building also offers a gym and rooms for sports associations and clubs.

Kengo Kuma and Associates, Cornelius Vöge, and Søren Jensen won the invited competition in 2017. Cornelius Vöge has carried out design and ICT management until the engagement of the turnkey contractor based on tender material (outline proposal and design manual).