From swimming competitions to family fun – A stunning aquatic complex in Kazincbarcika

The aim of the project, which ran from 2022 to 2025, was to enable children and young athletes to learn to swim in modern, safe conditions, whilst providing adults with a standard of service comparable to that of a holiday resort.

One of the most impressive features of the complex is the 50-metre competition pool, built in accordance with FINA regulations, which is accompanied by a substantial grandstand, making it suitable for hosting major events, including international competitions. In addition, an outdoor swimming pool, two teaching pools, a wellness area with Finnish and infrared saunas, a steam room, whirlpool and plunge pools, as well as a modern gym, await athletes and those seeking relaxation. In the summer heat – as a foretaste of the beach to be built later – the outdoor pool also welcomes those wishing to swim and unwind.

During the construction of the water centre, which was renovated as part of the FK-RASZTER Zrt. project, the designers and contractors paid particular attention to energy efficiency, the use of durable materials and state-of-the-art technical solutions. The result is a facility that embodies functionality, aesthetics and sustainability in equal measure – a new source of pride for Kazincbarcika.

The complex prioritises quality not only in its architectural design but also in the finer details of its construction. The cladding of large surfaces exposed to water required a particularly high level of expertise, as water resistance, slip resistance and durability are fundamental requirements in a swimming pool environment. The contractors therefore selected a system and materials that guarantee the safe and aesthetically pleasing performance of the cladding in the long term.

During the construction of the two phases, products from the Mapei range were also used, as every element of the cold flooring system applied across the nearly 8,000 square metre area – from levelling the substrate through to bonding and grouting – had to meet the highest technical standards, and this was taken into account by the specialists from the specialist contractors Luxos Kft. and Heshima-63 Kft..

From the pool body to the mosaic

In the case of the pools, the tiling work began after the water retention test on the pool structure. It was important that any reinforcing bars that might be visible were covered with metal mesh after cleaning the surface Mapefer 1K Zero anti-corrosion agent, and then treated with Mapegrout T40 concrete repair mortar. If this is not done, there is a risk that the rust will show through the epoxy joint applied later. The next step involved levelling the substrate, for which Planitop Fast 330 material was used in a thickness of 3–30 mm.

The waterproofing was applied to the substrate prepared in this way. Specialists applied Mapelastic coating insulation to the entire surface to a thickness of 2 mm, Mapenet 150 glass fibre mesh, and Mapeband Easy edge reinforcement tape was embedded in the negative corners.

Laying tiles Keraflex Extra S1 Zero adhesive mortar, using a void-free bonding method. Void-free tiling is a minimum requirement for pool tiling to ensure that no water penetrates beneath the tiles. For the tiling of the mosaic tiles, Elastorapid two-component, white adhesive was used.

For grouting, use Kerapoxy Easy Design, a two-component, chemically resistant grouting compound, was used by the specialist contractors. In the negative corners and in the gaps in the cladding above the expansion joints, Mapesil AC silicone-based flexible grout was used, following application of Primer FD.

Planiseal 88 coating, with a recessed finish at the horizontal and vertical wall junctions.

The cladding of the stands was constructed using precast reinforced concrete elements, where stress management was of paramount importance due to structural movements. Prior to cladding, the concrete surfaces were prepared, and then, where necessary, Planitop Fast 330 levelling layer was applied where necessary, and a flexible adhesive layer of Kerabond T Plus + Isolastic was used for stress relief. The tiles were fixed using Ultralite S2 Flex adhesive, and Ultracolor Plus grouting mortar was used. Along the structural boundaries, Mapefoam cord was placed and Mapeflex PU 45 FT permanently flexible joint filler.

Everyday spaces, long-term solutions

The specialist contractors also used Mapei products for the flooring in the wet areas, corridors and communal spaces. During the work, the specialists used Primer G primer for laying the cold flooring, Keraflex Extra S1 Zero adhesive mortar, Ultracolor Plus grout, and for wet rooms, Mapelastic Aquadefense waterproofing and Mapeband Easy edge reinforcement tape were used to ensure the durability and watertightness of the cladding.

Security built layer by layer

When designing the roof structure, the specialists from Technologies Építő Kft., the specialist contractor, employed a professional layer sequence tailored to different types of substrate. On the reinforced concrete slab, a 2 mm thick vapour barrier sheet was installed beneath the thermal insulation Polyvap SA 2 mm thick vapour barrier sheet was installed, whilst for the trapezoidal sheet metal roof structure, Mapeplan EVO SK self-adhesive vapour barrier layer was installed. Subsequently, thermal insulation was installed on both structural sections, and the final waterproofing layer was Mapeplan M 15 synthetic roof insulation sheet, which provides reliable long-term protection against the elements.

Over the course of a few years, a sports and community space has been created around Csónakázó Lake where people of all ages can find a form of exercise to suit them. The development of the complex clearly demonstrates that carefully chosen technical solutions and materials create value in the long term. For Mapei, it is particularly important to participate in projects that are not only outstanding in terms of their architectural and technical standards, but also fulfil a genuine community function. The company is proud that its products have contributed to the creation of a modern, sustainable sports facility in Kazincbarcika that is equipped to meet the demands of the future.

ADATOK

Project name: Kazincbarcika Water Complex

Work carried out using Mapei products: tiling, roof insulation

Location: Kazincbarcika

Year of completion: 2022–2025

Investor: Kazincbarcika Sports Centre „Delfin” Water Sports Club

Architect: 3H Építésziroda Kft.

Main contractor: FK-RASZTER Zrt.

Contractor: Luxos Kft., Heshima-63 Kft., Technologies Építő Kft.

Mapei contact persons: Gábor Nagy, Péter Balázs, Attila Fülep

Mapei authorised dealer: ÚjHáz Micorex

Photo: Visionix Production Kft., Péter Balázs

RECLAIMED MAPEI PRODUCTS

Cold-applied coatings: Planitop Fast 330, Mapelastic, Mapenet 150, Mapeband Easy, Keraflex Extra S1 Zero, Elastorapid, Kerapoxy Easy Design, Mapesil AC, Primer FD, Planiseal 88, Primer G, Ultracolor Plus, Mapelastic Aquadefense,

Roof insulation: Polyvap SA, Mapeplan EVO SK, Mapeplan M 15