Velux Modular Skylights for the swimming centre in Le Havre

04/22/2025 | Print view

The slim profiles of the Velux Modular Skylights blend harmoniously into the elegant architecture of the ‘Les Bains des Docks’ swimming centre. - © Velux Commercial — © Velux Commercial

The slim profiles of the Velux Modular Skylights blend harmoniously into the elegant architecture of the ‘Les Bains des Docks’ swimming centre.

Around 400 Velux Modular Skylights were installed as part of extensive renovation work on the ‘Les Bains des Docks’ swimming centre in Le Havre. The daylight solution was chosen because of its corrosion-resistant materials and maintenance-free components, which are ideal for humid environments, according to the planners.

Les Bains des Docks, designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, has been an architectural highlight of the port city of Le Havre since its opening in 2008. After 15 years of intensive use, partial renovation was necessary, including the building envelope and the glass roof.

The central measure was the replacement of the original skylights. The existing glass roofs had only a minimal slope of two degrees and were leaking.

Thanks to the skylight solutions, it is now possible to swim with a view of the sky.

The Velux Modular Skylights daylight solution, which is specially designed for demanding environments such as swimming pools, was chosen for the replacement. The profiles are made of a glass fibre-reinforced composite material that is naturally corrosion-resistant and requires no additional coating.

At the same time, the system is maintenance-free – a decisive advantage in the ongoing operation of the swimming centre.

The modules also stand out thanks to their elegant, slim appearance: hidden chain drives for ventilation ensure a clear design line that blends inconspicuously into the architecture of the swimming pool.

Modular skylight construction facilitates individual adaptation

Almost 400 Skylights modules in two variants were used for the project in Le Havre: as a continuous rooflight and as a saddle rooflight. The modular system offers a high degree of flexibility – both in planning and installation.

This enabled Velux Commercial to work with the flat roof contractor ENC to develop a customised solution that was precisely tailored to the structural conditions.

In addition to the daylight solution, Velux Commercial supplied special vapour barrier connection strips and matching vapour barrier adhesive tape. For the ridge area, coverings specially developed for swimming pools were used to ensure long-term and secure sealing.

This not only prevents moisture from penetrating, but also improves the structural performance of the entire system.

The new Velux Modular Skylights provide uniform, glare-free illumination of the interior of the ‘Les Bains des Docks’ water sports centre.

www.commercial.velux.com