Swimming Pool for Sandybrook Country Park in the Peak District

Client: Pinelodge Holidays Limited

Location: Sandybrook Country Park, Ashbourne, Derbyshire

Situated in the Derbyshire Peak District, Sandybrook Country Park was acquired by Pinelodge Holidays. To enjoy better overall occupancy levels on the park, particularly in off-peak periods, leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool would be needed.

Pinelog's architects prepared plans for a new pool which would minimise its environmental impact, meeting the requirements of the Planning Authorities and the multiple needs of users.

Built from redwood that blends in with the environment, the new 325 sq metre building incorporates a 12m x 6m swimming pool with toddlers' pool and viewing/relaxing areas, changing rooms with showers and toilets; an office, laundry and the park's reception.

The well insulated building is of timber-framed construction making use of laminated beams, Rockwool insulation bats, vapour control barrier and an internal redwood finish complemented by the use of coloured vinyl. This form of construction offers the permanence of other methods whilst providing an aesthetically pleasing structure in the harsh environment of a swimming pool. Glass doors, which allow access onto the sun terrace, combine with a glazed cupola to feed in natural light.

A further challenge for the Pinelog team was that they had to comply with a very rapid build programme that would ensure that the new facilities were ready for the 2002 holiday season.