The Bathing Pools

by DLM Architects

Client Vive La Vallette LBG

Award RIBA South East Award 2024

Outdoor swimming has become increasingly popular since the Covid-19 pandemic, and this project at St Peter Port in Guernsey aims to cater for new participants. It involved a mixture of refurbishment, rebuilding, and extension of run-down existing facilities, to provide the best possible accommodation for swimmers of all ages. Despite being situated on a steep cliff and spread over four levels, the building is now fully accessible for all, and the essentials for outdoor swimming are open 24 hours a day. For less adventurous visitors, the entrance is into the café – now a lively and social space with a roaring log fire.

Successfully integrating architecture with nature, the design makes a positive impact on both the community and the environment. With a £1.5 million construction cost and taking just a year from planning permission to completion, it is a great testament to both the architects and the client.

Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal.

Contractor RG Falla Ltd

Structural Engineer Dorey Lyle & Ashman

Environmental / M&E Engineer Henderson Green

Civil Engineering, Marine Construction and Geotechnical services Geo Marine

Gross internal area in m² 296.7