Around two weeks ago, we visited one of Western Hungary’s most spectacular construction sites, where the development of the Csik Ferenc Swimming Pool was presented during a press site visit. In Sopron, West Hungária Bau Kft. and Fertődi Építő és Szolgáltató Zrt. are working in consortium on a new facility featuring four pools and a 1,300-seat spectator stand, built on the site of the 115-year-old baths.
This week, the glued laminated timber cross-beam elements were lifted into place onto the reinforced concrete support columns and structure that had already been visible during the site visit. Tamás Hujber, Project Director at WHB, briefed our publication on this process, as well as on the project as a whole.
The challenges did not slow down the large-scale construction project
As part of the development, the old, outdated building was demolished. Following the completion of earthworks and foundation works, the reinforced concrete structure of the pools was also constructed. Despite the relatively confined work area, the contractors have been able to make steady progress, reaching the stage of constructing the spectator stand from prefabricated elements in May. The lifting of the 8–12-tonne elements was also a task requiring considerable attention and precision. The situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic did not slow down the construction works either.
A 500-tonne crane is currently being used to lift into place the main girders forming the roof of the nearly 10-metre-high swimming pool building, with a total of 15 girders to be installed. These elements, which will form the most visually striking part of the roof structure and will also remain visible from inside the completed building, are 42 metres long and 3 metres high.
Although rain and wind have hampered the works in recent weeks, with gusts occasionally reaching 50–60 km/h and causing temporary stoppages, the 15-tonne cross-beams are being installed with exceptional care and precision. At the time the photographs illustrating the article were taken, work was underway on the eighth beam, with all elements scheduled to be in place by the end of the week.
Sopron residents are expected to take possession of the swimming pool next spring
Following this phase of work, the contractors will be able to move on to the next stage of construction on the 7,500-square-metre swimming pool facility. The multifunctional bathing and swimming complex is expected to be handed over to the city of Sopron next March.
The new facility will also include a jacuzzi and sauna to serve guests seeking wellness services. The pools will be arranged one after another in a shared space illuminated by natural light through glass walls:
- a 25-metre-wide and 50-metre-long pool suitable for hosting swimming and water polo sporting events;
- a 25 × 25-metre warm-up pool;
- two teaching pools; as well as a jacuzzi and a warm-water plunge pool.
The entrance hall will be built across two levels, providing visitors with access to the spectator stands, which will have a total capacity of approximately 1,300 people. A car park will also be created as part of the investment.
