A longstanding fixture of daily life of a small town in eastern Slovakia has been revitalised with new functions and a modern aesthetic that still respects tradition. This is the essence of the redevelopment of the municipal swimming pool in Stará Ľubovňa, a project that reconnects a historic facility with its urban setting through an advanced architectural approach combining aesthetics, technology and environmental awareness.
Built in 1988, the pool recently underwent a major aesthetic and functional renovation promoted by the local municipality in partnership with the multiutility company Slobyterm and the design practice Architekti on:off. The aim was to bring the facility back into public use through a regeneration project that not only improved its functionality, efficiency and comfort but also transformed it into a contemporary, welcoming space.
In view of the building’s intended use, the project focused on updating the plant technologies and expanding the spaces to accommodate new wellness and recreational areas. It placed special emphasis on improving the building’s environmental performance and making extensive use of renewable energy sources, notably solar and geothermal. This reduced energy consumption by more than 50% and earned the facility an A0 energy class rating.
Architekti on:off devoted the same care to the interiors, which had to meet demanding performance standards for wear resistance and durability while also creating a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere. Porcelain stoneware surfaces from Panaria Ceramica were chosen for their technical qualities and aesthetic appeal.
The Urbanature collection in the Cement shade was selected for the floors and high-traffic areas, in both the standard 9 mm porcelain stoneware version for the flooring and the ultra-thin Zero.3 version for large, continuous wall coverings with a light, contemporary feel. Surfaces from the Even line in the colour Ocean in the form of refined mosaics and three-dimensional Shape tiles gave a lively, dynamic atmosphere to the relaxation areas. Other secondary spaces were finished using Panaria products with simple, versatile textures drawn from now-discontinued collections, a choice that highlights not only their functional value but also their timeless aesthetic appeal. The result is a facility that is more than just a swimming pool: it is a hub of socialisation and a place of shared physical and emotional well-being.
