Henning Larsen has won the competition to design Gothenburg’s new Centralbadet, a major public swimming and sports centre that focuses on sustainable materials, landscape integration, and community wellbeing. The project is relevant for architects, interior designers, and landscape architects, as it highlights low-carbon construction and innovative use of timber.
Centralbadet will open in 2031 and aims to become a vibrant public hub for the city. The design encourages people of all ages to swim, play sports, meet, and relax. The centre will include Olympic-standard swimming pools, sports halls, outdoor pools, a gym, cafés, and several flexible community spaces. These facilities create an inviting environment that supports both elite sports and everyday recreation.
Landscape design shapes the entire visitor experience. The project takes inspiration from Gothenburg’s historic Valhallabadet and builds on the city’s long tradition of public swimming. Paths, terraces, green roofs, and warm-up areas link the building to nearby parks and to the Mölndal River. These connections strengthen Centralbadet’s role in the urban fabric and encourage movement through the site.
The design uses open façades and clear sightlines to increase safety and accessibility. By linking the future sports arena to surrounding public spaces, the centre becomes part of a wider social and ecological network.
Material innovation sits at the heart of the project. Henning Larsen uses concrete only where necessary, such as for the pool basins. The upper structure relies on lightweight timber, including long-span glulam beams that perform well in humid spaces. Timber also appears in interior partitions, ceilings, and insulation, which helps to reduce the building’s overall carbon footprint.
The façades feature recycled brick, giving new purpose to reclaimed materials while adding texture and character. Many timber elements are designed for future disassembly and reuse, supporting circular building strategies. In addition, green roofs help manage stormwater and promote biodiversity, increasing the centre’s resilience over time.
Henning Larsen will now continue developing the design with the City of Gothenburg. Centralbadet aims to set a new standard for Scandinavian civic buildings by combining sustainable materials, landscape-driven design, and inclusive public spaces. The project shows how architecture can reduce environmental impact while enriching daily life.
Source: Henning Larsen Architects
Images: Plankton Group