High-quality facilities for top-class performance
The new Kuortane Swimming Centre in Finland is a facility that combines elite sport, health promotion and leisure activities under one roof. Situated in the immediate vicinity of the renowned Kuortane Sports Academy, the new building forms a central component of the internationally oriented training and education centre. Opened in 2026, the swimming centre ranks among the most significant facilities of its kind in Finland and combines Olympic-standard training conditions with an architectural design that conveys a sense of openness, tranquillity and a pleasant atmosphere.
A centre of excellence for elite sport and leisure
At the heart of the complex is one of only three Olympic 50-metre pools in Finland. It is complemented by a teaching pool, a multi-purpose pool, a children’s area and a wide range of wellness facilities, including whirlpools, a water slide, a Finnish sauna and a steam room. The different areas of use are clearly structured yet spatially interconnected. This creates a swimming complex that meets the requirements of high-performance sport as well as the needs of families and leisure swimmers. The architecture supports this concept through bright, spacious rooms and a minimalist palette of materials. Clear lines of sight, natural lighting and seamless transitions aid orientation and lend the facility a calm, focused atmosphere – ideal conditions for training, recovery and relaxation.
Ceramics as a unifying design element
The ceramic surfaces contribute significantly to the spatial impact of the swimming centre. Tiles from the Ascona range, with a natural stone look, were used for floors, stairs and wet areas. Their understated colour scheme creates a calm foundation and conveys a high-quality, almost spa-like atmosphere.
The water features provide deliberate accents: the Olympic pool was designed using white tiles from the Chroma range, which ensure a clear view of the water and optimal visibility. Round mosaics from the Loop range complement the design in selected areas. In the multi-purpose pool, shades of blue from the Fresh range create a refreshing atmosphere, whilst the children’s area features Fresh to create a vibrant yet harmonious colour scheme. In this way, the ceramic design unites different functional areas into a coherent overall concept and supports the building’s clear architectural language.
Architecture for movement and the future
The Kuortane Swimming Centre demonstrates how performance-oriented sports architecture can be combined with a high quality of visitor experience. Precisely planned spatial sequences, carefully coordinated materials and the targeted use of ceramic surfaces create an environment that equally promotes concentration, recovery and social interaction. The result is a space that goes far beyond its function as a sports facility and reflects the campus’s ethos: optimal conditions for peak performance – from grassroots sport to the Olympic stage.
