Aquatic and Sports Center of Hydrion

Project: Aquatic and Sports Center of Hydrion
Architect: RESERVOIR A

Momentary association

A POINT 3

Programme: The renovation of the Aquatic and Sports Center of L’Hydrion is part of a large-scale, two-phase project aimed at modernizing and enhancing Arlon’s sports infrastructure. The first phase involved the construction of an athletics shelter, optimizing spaces dedicated to competitions and training. The second phase, currently under construction, focuses on the complete renovation of the swimming pool and its facilities. This project combines regulatory compliance, accessibility, and user comfort while strengthening the connection between sports, relaxation, and the surrounding landscape.

About: A Comprehensive Renovation and Expansion Project
For nearly a century, the Aquatic and Sports Center of L’Hydrion has been a landmark facility in Arlon. This ADEPS center includes a large outdoor pool, multipurpose halls, an athletes' residence, and several sports fields. As part of an ambitious program to renovate Wallonia’s swimming pools, RESERVOIR A was entrusted with a major transformation project for the site. This project was carried out in two distinct phases, each addressing specific challenges: the construction of a new athletics shelter and the renovation of the swimming pool.
A New Athletics Shelter
The first phase of the project restructured and unified the athletics facilities. The former fragmented complex, which included workshops, garages, restrooms, and a call room, was demolished and replaced with a cohesive and functional single building.
The shelter’s architecture is based on a simple and efficient design: a square volume, entirely on one level except for the call room, which is elevated to offer a panoramic view of the track and sports fields. The project also stands out for its subtle interplay of materials. The ground floor is clad in vertical grayed wood, while the call room is made of textured architectural concrete with vertical grooves that emphasize its materiality. The result is a balanced structure, combining a strong connection to the ground with an impression of lightness.
The Renovation of the Swimming Pool
The second phase of the project focused on bringing the outdoor pool into compliance and enhancing the surrounding spaces. The renovation expanded the center’s scope, incorporating elements of leisure and relaxation alongside sports activities.
The poolside layout follows a precise geometric composition, featuring a pattern of blue and white concrete slabs and the addition of three large fixed parasols, the only vertical elements in this open space. This assertive geometry contrasts with the surrounding natural landscape, deliberately embracing its artificial character while maintaining a dialogue with the environment.
Interventions on the main building aimed to improve spatial clarity and enhance the fluidity between indoor and outdoor areas. The changing rooms, connected by a long, straight corridor, follow a rigorous symmetry and a cohesive color scheme, with blue and white dominating both the tiled walls and the areas directly connected to water. A large glass window opens the shower space towards the pool, extending into a reflective canopy. A wellness area completes the renovation, featuring a rest area, sauna, and cold bath, designed with organic shapes and adorned with round blue mosaic tiles.
Finally, the upper floors of the building house a multipurpose sports hall, changing rooms, and storage areas, adopting a simple and functional approach, with neutral materials and a minimalist color palette.
Coherence in Diversity
Despite addressing different objectives, both phases follow the same architectural approach: formal simplicity, durable materials, and thoughtful site integration. The comprehensive transformation of the Aquatic and Sports Center of L’Hydrion reflects a vision of balanced modernization, combining functionality, aesthetics, and expanded uses.