De Montfort University Pool / Leisure Centre
August 2005
The Leicester-based University wanted a facility that would serve as a landmark. To that end SPACE & PLACE created large-scale design gestures and included the innovative use of materials to deliver an iconic feel.
Glass is used dynamically throughout the building, creating motion and activity. The liberal use of natural cedar tongue and groove throughout interior and exterior soffits and ceilings creates a feeling of warmth against the colder cladded facade, and adds a natural quality to the building’s aesthetic.
The building has been designed to consist of floating interlocking planes with metallic outer shells and cedar-lined interiors. These planes organise the site by forming towers and hooded overhangs, creating views in and through the building to public areas while also creating filtered light inside.
S&P designed the Leisure centre with careful attention to accessibility and sustainability. In addition, sustainable principles were employed throughout the building, with the use of natural daylighting, zoned lighting control, solar shading and passive ventilation systems.