BIM - first pure implementation

BIM, which stands for Building Information Modeling, has been a topic of conversation, contemplation, and aspiration for many years. This innovative technology allows for the full design, furnishing, planning, and execution of a complex building, like a swimming pool, with all parties involved (architects, suppliers, contractors, and planners) collaborating from the drawing board.

With BIM, unforeseen challenges can be prevented, and installation work proceeds as planned because the building is visible to everyone from their computer. Users can even virtually walk through the building. If there is a conflict with, for example, a building element such as pipes or cables that intersect, this can be easily adjusted directly in the design, with the responsible designer’s name and communication channels listed next to each object. With just a few mouse clicks, the suppliers can solve any bottlenecks in mutual consultation, making the entire construction process virtual as if it was real.

This results in significant savings in costs, lead time, CO2 emissions, energy consumption, and any unexpected “surprises” during actual construction. The benefits of BIM are clear, making it an indispensable tool in modern construction.

Demanding sustainability criteria

During the planning and construction phase, contractor Pellikaan Bauunternehmen Deutschland GmbH was bound by the sustainability criteria that the German Association for Swimming Pools (Deutsche Gesellschaft für das Badewesen) had specifically drawn up for the new swimming pool. This association has ensured, documented, and ultimately certified the quality of the execution. WaterVision was appointed as the supplier for the underwater lighting to meet those criteria. From its vision of limiting the impact on the environment, WaterVision places a high value on the circular economy. This is reflected, among other things, in the reuse of created infrastructure and housings, which have a lifespan that extends beyond that of the swimming pool itself.

The new Blütenbad in Leichlingen

Sustainability and the reduction of CO2 emissions were central to the construction of the swimming pool. The operation of the swimming pool is centred around these essential themes, utilizing the latest technologies and technical solutions that meet energy efficiency requirements. These include optimal insulation measures for the building envelope, modern ventilation with heat recovery, optimal water hydraulics, efficient pump installations, and energy-efficient (underwater) lighting. The roof is also covered with high-quality solar panels.

More efficient and faster construction process

The construction project was fully built with BIM as a pilot project. All suppliers were able to coordinate with each other how the pipes, cabling, and other building objects could be optimally implemented side by side. This resulted in a more efficient and faster construction process and tendering process. WaterVision has also digitally incorporated its lighting infrastructure into the model as a supplier, allowing for more effective labor and resource planning and the rapid resolution of any potential challenges.

Leading role

Pellikaan construction company played an excellent leading role in facilitating and motivating the use of BIM and encouraging suppliers to work together. On technical merits, the user can see exactly what everyone is doing and when. The Blütenbad Leichlingen is not only one of the first BIM implementations in swimming pool construction, but also receives the first certification of an indoor swimming pool according to the guidelines of BIM Level 2 (open BIM).

The new swimming pool

In the new, modern and accessible indoor swimming pool, there is a 25-meter long pool with 6 lanes, a side staircase, starting blocks, all on a water temperature of 26°C. In the vario-pool, a fully flat bottom allows for flexible adjustment of the water depth from 1.80 m to 0 m, depending on the needs of the user group. This versatile pool also features attractions such as water spouts and massage jets integrated into its 28°C warm waters. Watervisions innovative lighting solutions are seamlessly integrated in a 100% flat mounted way, Allowing for uninterrupted movement of the movable floor. The swimming and vario-pools are acoustically separated from each other by a glass wall.For the younger guests, a toddler pool with a water surface of approximately 60 m² and varying water depths is available, complete with a toddler slide and a small indoor spray park, ensuring a fun and safe experience for all ages.