Danish architecture studio Henning Larsen has been selected as the winner of a major competition to design a new swimming pool complex that will replace Gothenburg's historic Valhallabadet. The innovative design features a timber-framed structure that will house not only swimming facilities but also comprehensive sports amenities, marking a significant development in the Swedish city's recreational infrastructure.
Henning Larsen will collaborate with Swedish studio Winell Jern Architects, engineering firm Ramboll, and John Dohlsten, a sports science lecturer at the University of Gothenburg, to deliver the ambitious project. The massive 51,850-square-meter building will showcase a distinctive gridded timber facade complemented by large windows and a walkable green roof that integrates seamlessly with the urban landscape.
The new facility, named Centralbadet, will feature Olympic-standard swimming pools alongside family and learning pools, providing comprehensive aquatic facilities for users of all skill levels. Beyond swimming, the complex will include sports halls, a modern gymnasium, and outdoor facilities, creating a multi-purpose recreational hub. Additional amenities will include cafes and saunas, while the innovative roof design will accommodate outdoor gyms, running tracks, and terraces for community use.
The building's structural design demonstrates a commitment to both sustainability and functionality. While the foundation will consist of a concrete base wrapped in recycled bricks to provide the necessary stability for pool basins, the upper portions will transition to timber construction. This includes specially designed long-span glued-laminated (glulam) beams engineered specifically to withstand humid environments typical of swimming facilities.
Sustainability remains a central focus of the design philosophy. Henning Larsen emphasized that the timber elements will be designed for disassembly and reuse, ensuring that Centralbadet can be "resilient and long-lasting." Inside the facility, timber will also be prominently featured in interior partitions and ceiling elements wherever structurally feasible, creating a cohesive natural aesthetic throughout the complex.
"Centralbadet is about more than pools and courts, it's about everyday experiences that bring people together," explained Martin Stenberg Ringnér, design director at Henning Larsen. "We have designed the space to ensure every visit prioritizes social and health benefits, creating a democratic space where everyone can feel welcome. From quiet nooks to lively terraces, from playful learning pools to sunlit rooftops, every visit will feel welcoming and connected to the rhythms of the city."
The project has generated significant controversy due to the planned demolition of the beloved Valhallabadet, which originally opened in 1956 and currently serves half a million swimmers annually. Protesters have expressed strong opposition to the demolition plans, telling media outlets that destroying the historic facility would constitute a "waste of history." The opposition reflects the deep community attachment to the existing facility and its cultural significance to Gothenburg residents.
Despite the controversy, Henning Larsen maintains that their design will honor the legacy of the existing pool. The architectural team drew specific inspiration from Valhallabadet's striking mosaic artwork, incorporating these aesthetic elements into the new design. "The design draws inspiration from Gothenburg's beloved Valhallabadet, continuing the city's legacy of public swimming," the firm stated. "The design honors this legacy through art, landscape and urban connections – from the landscaped Valhallagade to pathways echoing Nils Wendel's iconic mosaic walls."
Centralbadet is scheduled to open in 2031, marking the culmination of an extensive planning and construction process. Henning Larsen emerged victorious from an anonymous international competition that included submissions from renowned firms such as BIG and Wingårdh Arkitektkontor. In related developments, the City of Gothenburg has also announced that Swedish studio White Arkitekter has been selected to design the city's new Arenakvarter neighborhood, indicating a broader urban development initiative in the region.
