Natural stone and water are a perfect match at Quissac’s public pool

The Maurice Perry municipal swimming pool located in central Quissac (in the Gard department, France) was renovated in 2023. Now more spacious, comfortable and modern, the facility successfully combines an elegant pool design with great energy efficiency while also paying tribute to local heritage. This fine pool project participated at the "Building with natural stone in the 21st century” architecture awards run by the Rocalia and Pierre Actual trade show.

The public pool reopens after two years of works

Despite a string of investments and maintenance works, Quissac’s aging municipal swimming pool was no longer satisfying its users’ needs, and was not compliant with current regulations. This prompted the Piémont Cévenol authority to launch this major refurbishment project, which entailed demolishing the existing building in 2021, in order to create a new public pool.

This reconstruction project had three overarching design objectives:

• identify the building more clearly in the public space;
• give it a positive image;
• integrate it in its surroundings.

To help it blend in, the pool's architecture intentionally recalls the region's typical building style.

A sober pool design that fits into the landscape

The public pool features an L-shaped layout to clearly dissociate the “public” and “private” flows, which are separated at their intersection by a hall with a changing area and staff facilities. This hall also accommodates a waiting area overlooking the pools. The pool lockers are arranged along a natural stone gallery that leads to the toilets and showers.

The facility has three pool and recreational areas:

• a shallow pool (0.70 to 1.10 m deep) for children;
• a swimming pool (1.20 to 1.80 m deep);
• a water play area with 10 splash pads.

The pool has a stone surround, itself separated from a grassy area by a guardrail. This lawn benefits from the natural shade provided by pine trees. The area also serves as a stormwater basin!

Natural stone construction for optimized pool operating costs

The porosity and high inertia of Vers stone makes for good thermal performance. It does not require any special treatment or maintenance, making this public pool easier to manage. On site, this material is fast and clean to work with, making it a great choice for reducing costs and waste. The stone is locally sourced and worked using rational construction techniques, satisfying economic requirements and cutting lead times.

The swimming center also installed an air-water heat pump, which keeps the pools at a comfortable 28°C, as well as solar panels that produce 40% of the energy needed to heat the water in the pools and showers.

Résultat : la piscine publique a une empreinte carbone faible. De quoi faciliter sa gestion en faisant baisser durablement ses factures d'énergie.

Architectural competitions are a great way to promote innovative pool projects. Have you built a remarkable aquatic facility? Showcase your project at the Pool Design Awards organized by Piscine Global!