Ave Gallery
The aim of the project was to redefine an unused swimming pool in the garden of a house for a new identity. The pool was 200 m2 (20m x 10m), surrounded by trees and greenery. The client, a painter and sculptor, was interested in spending the least amount possible to convert the pool into a gallery space for displaying his work.
The main intention of the design was to create a roof for the pool with the least possible impact on the surrounding environment.
Given the 10m wide span of the pool, the skin of the roof was sliced longitudinally.
The idea of the sliced skin created an entry into the gallery space. It also broke down the 10m length of the span and allowed for a lighter structure. The cut provides access to natural light and ventilation inside the enclosed space of the pool, and connects interior and exterior spaces.
The project consists of two volumes; one articulating the exterior form and the other containing the main interior structural element (a long and straight stairway), which creates a dynamic interior space.