Openluchtzwembad, 2008

At the focal point between the centre of Oostduinkerke, the seafront and the beach, an new open air swimming pool is to be drawn up. The design aims to be one clear and unambiguous architectural gesture, reconciling the requested programme with the specific public character of its surroundings.



site plan
ground floor plan


The project seems to arise out of the beach. It manifests itself as a sloping and accessible surface from the dike. Two cut-outs in the surface create space for a sunbathing area and the open-air swimming pool, protected from sand and wind by their sunken position. The slight slope(s) of the architecture organically bridge(s) the height difference between the dike and the beach. As a result, the volume manifests itself as if it were an artificial dune, strategically dug in and at the same time manifestly present.

Program: open air swimming pool
Location: Oostduinkerke
Procedure: competition
Client: AG Koksijde
Surface: 4.200 m²

Structural engineer: Establis