A modern building that blends into the landscape, without exaggeration, will carry Sopron's reputation

On 12 April, the commemorative plaque of the Lőver swimming pool was unveiled in Sopron, which was awarded the Construction Industry Award for the construction of the complex in the category Public Buildings/Sports and Leisure in the year 2023. The project, executed by WEST HUNGÁRIA BAU Kft. and Fertődi Építő és Szolgáltató Zrt., has created a multifunctional swimming pool and spa complex with a gross floor area of 11600 square metres, designed by Közti Zrt..

Specific challenges have also been successfully addressed

At Friday's inauguration ceremony, Attila Peterka, Strategic Director of WEST HUNGÁRIA BAU Kft., recalled that the consortium that carried out the construction took over the site in April 2019: "In two years, both in terms of design and construction, we have succeeded in implementing a high-quality project that has resulted in the rebuilding of an internationally renowned swimming pool."

He said that the works started with the demolition of the swimming pool built in the 1970s.

"During the construction, we also made sure that specific requirements were properly addressed, such as the elimination of the previous oil spill; the reinforcement of the foundation plane with gravel piling; and the implementation of a glued wood roof structure spanning a distance of 40 metres."

In addition to the pools, saunas, steam rooms and a fitness room have been built

In his speech, Attila Peterka also presented the main parameters of the project. The new swimming pool includes a FINA-qualified pool with 1,270 seats, suitable for international competitions, two training pools, a warm-water plunge pool, a warm-up pool and a Jacuzzi, as well as saunas, steam rooms and a fitness room. The pools are located side by side in a space lit by natural light through common glass walls.

During the project, the contractors carried out 50,000 cubic metres of excavation work, used 1,500 tonnes of reinforcing steel, 110 tonnes of steel support structures, 12,000 cubic metres of concrete and 1,150 cubic metres of timber and glued wood structures, as well as 6,000 square metres of glass. The works included the construction of 5,500 square metres of parkland and the construction of the required amount of parking.

Beyond professional recognition, user satisfaction is the most important

At the inauguration ceremony, András Khaut, Chairman of the FÉSZ Zrt. Board of Directors, said he was delighted that the building had been awarded this prestigious distinction by the professional jury as a kind of architectural Oscar. "At the same time, I think that one of the most important things, apart from the professional award, is to satisfy the athletes, the visitors to the city or those who want to do something for their health," he added.

The event was also addressed by Ciprián Farkas, Mayor of Sopron. He stressed that children and sports enthusiasts in Sopron can play water sports in 21st century conditions and that the city has become a real meeting point for national and international water sports. "In the complex, our Olympic swimming champions are exchanging handshakes and promoting the good reputation of our city," the politician said.

It was done to a good standard, without exaggeration

In its analysis of the project, published at the Construction Industry Award ceremony last December, the jury highlighted that the design of the site is well adapted to the sloping terrain and, with its abundant greenery, blends well into the charming Sopron landscape.

"The pool hall is an imposing space with a large glass enclosure, covered with 42-metre spans of glued wooden supports and a grandstand seating 1,300.

Transport routes are clear, convenient and professionally designed. Accessibility has been achieved by the use of lifts. A state-of-the-art facility in all respects, it has been completed to a good standard without exaggeration", the summary reads.