Dun Laoghaire

The proposal is organised around an adapted barge of approximately 60 x 10.5 m, accommodating a series of pools with varying depths, children’s bathing areas, a continuous swimming lane, and an “urban beach” conceived as a social platform. This compact configuration enables multiple uses to coexist within a flexible spatial framework.

Technical facilities, services, and plant rooms are integrated beneath the deck, maximising operational efficiency while freeing the upper level for public use. Lightweight pavilion elements support passive design strategies, including solar orientation and natural ventilation.

The project operates as a “water within water” condition, where the boundary between pool and harbour is intentionally blurred, reinforcing both visual and sensory continuity with the marine environment.

From a technical perspective, the design is informed by wave modelling, barge stability analysis, and mooring systems, ensuring safe and reliable year-round operation. The direct use of seawater reduces resource consumption, while the energy strategy incorporates seabed-based heat pump systems, solar technologies, and passive environmental measures.

The architectural language is defined by robustness, modularity, and adaptability, employing marine-grade materials and efficient construction systems. Movable wind and weather protection elements allow the space to respond to changing climatic conditions, extending its seasonal usability and reinforcing its role as a flexible public infrastructure.