Formby Pool

While working with FCB studios in the UK Ben was Project Architect for this new local pool. The brief called for a building with "heart" that would form a civic presence on the High Street.

We took this opportunity to design a building which evokes the sensation of swimming in a lake, reconnecting with nature through the choice of sensuous materials, the visual link with the park and the use of daylight. The natural materials counter the clinical atmosphere found at many pool facilities which too often creates a strange disconnection with health and wellbeing.

Environmental issues together with our previous experience of pool buildings led us to the principle of an all–timber building. We chose to stretch the bounds of what can be achieved in timber construction structurally and environmentally.

AWARDS:
Wood awards Gold Medal (overall winner) RIBA National Award (one of 14 awarded nationally)
RIBA Regional Award
Highly commended in the European Copper Awards
FX Design Awards 2007
Civic Trust Award 2008,

JUDGES COMMENTS:
"Transcendental in its calmness and simplicity"
Gold Award at 2007 Wood Awards.

"This swimming pool is the source of much local pride (and has had) a significant beneficial impact on the community it serves….the swimmer has great views each time the head emerges from the water, making it an uplifting place in which to exercise."
RIBA National Award Winner 2007