3XN create iconic building based on curved wave design

The largest aquatic centre in Sweden, Tinnerbäcksbadet – designed by Tenderstream member 3XN – has been inaugurated in Linköping, and is now open to the public to enjoy. Tenderstream first published the competition for the facility back in 2017, with the jury stating that one of the deciding factors in selecting 3XN was the way in which the firm’s proposal perfectly captured the scale of the surrounding city. 

Named ‘Vågen’ (The Wave), the scheme seeks to unite the urban surroundings with an adjacent lake – both in form and in function. The design takes cues from waves washing ashore, with the curves of the building appearing as if they were shaped by the forces of the ocean, eroded over time. Kim Herforth Nielsen, 3XN co-founder and principal, stated: "We envisioned a building where the architecture gives hints of its functionality. The waveform in the facade as well as the large panoramic windows blur the boundary between pools inside and lake outside."

The 21,730 sq m Wave contains facilities of varying sizes and functions over four floors, including a 50 meter pool and a 25 meter pool for swimming, a pool area for play and relaxation and a wellness area. Views and connection to the outdoors is optimized by the organization of the pools along the transparent and “wavy” façade, with its maximized surface area. The building was contructed from wood, which offers advantages in sustainability but also adds a warm and welcoming quality to the design.

The project was carried out on behalf of Lejonfastigheter AB under the direction of Project Manager Christian Dahlén, who said on its completion: "Tinnerbäcksbadet will be a fantastic with its unique location, content and architecture. It wil put Linköping on the map for a long time to come."

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

This tender was first published by Tenderstream on 28.04.2016 here

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