Wide vertical roller systems for the glass wall of a swimming pool

The Wezenberg Olympic Swimming Pool opened in 2002, following extensive renovations. An official training pool where Flemish athletes train and where major championships are held, it is an impressive facility with a glazed façade that allows heat and natural light to flood in.

The original specification for solar protection was reflective film applied to the glass. Standard roller blinds were discounted by the design team due to the sheer size of the glass façade.

However, the film did not provide sufficient protection for the users, with the heat and glare creating an uncomfortable environment.

A retrofit of Guthrie Douglas’ TESS^™ 312 systems was recommended because it has the strength and stability to work in extra large spaces, covering up to 6m widths with a single system. To cope with the demands of the corrosive swimming pool environment, we created a specially adapted system with marine-grade coating that can withstand the humidity and high concentration of chloride in the atmosphere. We also used a specialist antibacterial fabric.

The result is a system that provides first-class protection from the sun when needed, is invisible when not required and, most importantly, can deliver all this under the testing conditions. Since their installation 15 years ago, the Guthrie Douglas systems have required only standard maintenance.