Boulognerbadet
Where everyone can swim and hang out
In 2013, we were asked to develop a proposal for an entirely new public baths in the Gävle river, right next door to Gävle’s city park Boulognerskogen. Gävle municipality liked our concept of a pontoon, park routes and gym as well as changing rooms and a family area with a sandy beach, and the project started. Today, Boulognerbadet, the public baths, is a lively and well-loved meeting place for children and adults of all ages.
The site by the Gävle River started as a large lawn with beach volleyball courts, park benches, and a trail for hiking and jogging. To make the most of the location’s many qualities, we created a proposal divided into three stages.
First, we wanted to create a deck along the water with viewing platforms and stairs in the sight lines in order to get closer to the qualities of the river. In the next stage, we proposed a park next door with an outdoor gym and changing facilities. In the last stage, our team wanted to create a real sandy beach for the whole family where even the youngest of the family can swim. Today, stage one and two are complete.
Beautiful deck and swimming for all
In the summer, the seven meter wide deck is full of visitors. Both those who just want to hang out in the sun for a while and those who are a little braver and don’t mind getting into the water. There is an access ramp so that anyone who wants to can get into the water.
The deck is constructed of treated pine, which ages well and takes on a grey patina with time.
The large trees that grow along the beach have been kept and been allowed to grow through the deck. Their crowns create a roof here and there and provide some welcome shade on the warmest days of the summer. A raised stage or a seat acts as a focal point at the southern end of the deck. Close by, we have created a grill area with rain cover in the shape of a green roof.
Many places to hang out
To create a larger, continuous lawn, we have moved the beach volley pitch. On the adjacent slope, there is now a variety of seating to hang out on with a view of the water – terracing, a small stand and new sun benches. A little bit further away is the new outdoor gym. In this area, we have also included some changing rooms with a façade of the same pine as the deck.
The last stage of the project, the family area with a sandy beach has not been started yet.
