Villanueva de la Cañada Municipal Pool

This is Churtichaga+Quadra-Salcedo arquitectos' second project in Villanueva de la Cañada. The entrance is approached down a wide ramp, identified by a tall illuminated blue glass box overhead. Spectators turn left here to climb to the first floor viewing gallery. Also at this level is a café, which can be accessed directly from the outside, via an external ramp. Internally, a core of changing and service spaces separate visitors from users. The building has three pools; one for general use, one for learners and a dedicated diving bowl, set a little lower than the others and screened from them so as not to distract divers. These are laid out along the south side of the building and large windows allow the swimmers a view into the neighbouring park. To the north are four studio spaces, which look out into their own sunken court. Externally, the elevations feature economical materials; stone filled gabions and profiled metal sheeting.