AQUATIC CENTRE PARC DE CAZALET

A swimming pool designed for everyone and built for the future

The decision to build a new aquatic centre is a significant commitment for any municipality. Beyond providing children with the opportunity to learn to swim from an early age, it also means creating high-performance facilities for sports clubs and recreational spaces for families.

These requirements must be balanced with other key considerations, including land availability and, above all, the control of operating and energy costs. Swimming pools are often perceived as financially demanding facilities for local authorities. The city of Pessac, near Bordeaux in southwestern France, appears to have successfully addressed this challenge, supported by architectural firms A40 and ARCOS and delivered by GTM Bâtiment Aquitaine.

Energy-efficient design for sustainable aquatic facilities

Already recognised as a model aquatic centre for the future, the Parc de Cazalet Aquatic Centre sets a benchmark for sustainable public infrastructure. Covering a total surface area of 6,000 m², the facility includes a 25-metre competition pool, a 200 m² learning pool, a 150 m² leisure pool and a wide range of recreational amenities.

Sustainability is integrated into every aspect of the building. A 3,450 m² green roof collects rainwater and stores it in a 300 m³ reservoir, while a second 200 m³ tank recovers greywater for toilet flushing and poolside cleaning operations. In addition, 640 m² of photovoltaic panels combined with a geothermal heat pump provide up to 65% of the centre’s energy requirements.

Glare-free pool lighting for enhanced safety and comfort

The lighting design was developed by Math Ingénierie, based in Bordeaux, which selected a technical solution proposed by PERFORMANCE iN LIGHTING. The installation features SMART [PRO] floodlights, specifically chosen for their high performance and excellent resistance to chloramine exposure in indoor pool environments.

The system consists of 50 SMART [PRO] 2.0 1M floodlights equipped with asymmetric optics and DALI drivers, complemented by 5 SMART [PRO] 2.0 2M floodlights. This configuration delivers the required lighting levels of 400 lux on the competition pool and 300 lux on the leisure areas. A customised RAL 9010 white epoxy finish improves visual integration with the white ceiling structure.

The use of asymmetric optics significantly reduces glare, ensuring optimal visual comfort for swimmers while supporting the vigilance and safety of lifeguards. An advanced lighting management system enables dimming and real-time adaptation to occupancy levels and available daylight. The installed lighting power density is limited to just 4.07 W/m².

A benchmark for sustainable pool lighting and energy management

Since its inauguration in August 2025, the Parc de Cazalet Aquatic Centre has established itself as a leading example of energy-efficient aquatic facility design and environmental responsibility. Combining innovative architecture, renewable energy technologies and high-quality LED lighting solutions, it has become both a landmark within the urban landscape and a valued asset for the local community.