In Liberec, a city in northern Bohemia, there is a mysterious place with a long tradition. This place is the Forest Pool – a swimming pool hidden among century-old trees, known to local residents for generations. Today, it operates in a new guise, which is the result of community work by many hands. Its aim was to restore the recreational functions of this unique place. The local association Lesní koupaliště, founded by architects from the Mjölk studio, is behind the investment.
Lesní koupaliště – the process of reconstructing the swimming pool
After taking over the management of the Forest Pool, the association started from scratch. Lacking funding, the initial work relied entirely on the involvement of the local Liberec community. After a short time, temporary equipment for a catering stand was created from available building materials, which became the first visible sign of the changes to come. Much of the money for the reactivation of the swimming pool was raised through the city’s civic budget, with additional support provided by private donors. In 2022, the authorities issued a building permit. This was a landmark moment. The foundations and the sewage system were repaired first. However, the main construction work started a year later, despite still limited funds. Thanks to the support of sponsors and the work of volunteers, it was possible to continue the investment. Eventually, a one-off municipal grant was obtained to complete the construction, which had been ongoing for years. Finally, the new bathing facilities with full infrastructure were opened in spring 2025. The facility now serves the residents of Liberec, which lacks public swimming pools.
Architecture and functions of the new facility
The design of the new swimming pool building was created with simplicity of construction, phasing and minimal expense in mind. The construction uses a system combining CLT panels and lightweight timber framing – all perfectly suited to the woodland surroundings. The building houses storage, toilets, a bistro and a sauna with lounge area. The steel roof structure acts as a protective structure, shielding both the body of the building and the adjacent spaces. Showers, changing rooms and lockers were also located under the roof. The facility was built on the original concrete swimming pool slab, adapting it to the two levels of the existing ground.
The Forest Pool and its historical background
The history of the Forest Pool dates back to the 1930s, when the association “Waldbad in Ruppersdorf” applied for the establishment of a swimming bath near Liberec. Its construction was realised between 1937 and 1940. After its opening, the facility functioned as a military area, but also as a public place. After the Second World War, new facilities, an access road, a car park and a restaurant were added to the swimming pool. In 1980, a building familiar to older residents was constructed, which burned down in 2010. From 2007, the swimming pool was closed and the site gradually deteriorated. Renovation of the complex began in 2016 with the renovation of the basin and cleaning up the neglected space. The pool reopened in 2018, but problems with low water levels did not allow it to fully develop its functions and the facility still needed a major upgrade.
Joint initiative and plans
In 2020, the Lesní koupaliště association took over the care of the site. Thanks to consistent efforts and social mobilisation, a new building was constructed and the swimming baths were given a second life. There are plans to expand the iconic complex in further stages, including a water playground, sports zones and recreational spaces. By working together, it was possible to bring back to the people a place that has always been part of Liberec’s identity.
Project: Mjölk architekti
Location: Liberec, Czech Republic
Year of completion: 2025
Building area: 320 sq m
Photos: BoysPlayNice
Read also: Architecture | Sport | Health | Swimming pool | Renovation | Czech Republic
