Denmark’s Spiraling Wood Sea Bath is an Oceanic Oasis for Swimmers

The waterfront of Kastrup, Denmark is currently being revitalized, and what better way than to make the most of the refreshing waters than with an innovative public swimming area? Designed and built by <a href="http://en.white.se/" target="_blank">White arkitekter</a>, the Katsrup Sea Bath is part sculptural installation, part <a href="http://inhabitat.com/beijing-water-cube-reopens-as-happy-magic-water-park/">water park fun</a>! A long <a href="http://inhabitat.com/swiss-warehouse-emulates-surrounding-forest/" target="_blank">wooden</a> pier leads revelers to a circular island suspended above the water that's perfect for diving, lounging and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/14-eco-friendly-swimsuits-bikinis-and-board-shorts-to-make-a-splash-this-summer/" target="_blank">sun bathing</a>.

Designed by architect Fredrik Pettersson, the Sea Bath is an <a href="http://inhabitat.com/prefabulous-tree-top-cabin-goes-out-on-a-limb-at-swedens-tree-hotel/" target="_blank">oasis</a> at sea, located 100 meters from the shore. Curving around and around, wooden ramps gently incline towards the peak, which is capped with a trampoline for the most adventurous divers!

Pettersson included built-in benches for lounging on the inclining levels, and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/organelles-elegant-hangelier-1-2-is-fashioned-from-repurposed-plastic-hangers/" target="_blank">LED </a>floodlights for safety during night swimming. The lights are strategically placed along the floor and walls to create a luminous effect that transforms the sculpture at dusk.

The Sea Bath is accessible by the wooden bridge, so water-shy visitors needn’t swim out from shore or jump into the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/solar-powered-bikini-soaks-up-sun-rays-and-powers-up-gadgets/" target="_blank">bathing area</a> -- they can enjoy the view of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/arkitema-architects-win-award-to-design-sustainable-beach-front-homes-in-denmark/" target="_blank">beach</a> or the sea from the sidelines.

This coincides with the facility’s motive to be democratic -- it is open to everyone, doesn't require private membership, and has no restrictions of age or wealth.

The arched walls also protect visitors from wind from all directions while they dry off from a cool dip. The 870 meters of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/justk-passivhaus-in-germany-is-a-prefab-wooden-tower/" target="_blank">wooden deck</a> were built of Azobe timber in order to withstand the harsh salt water -- Pettersson hopes the Sea Bath will be a permanent fixture in Kastrup’s developing waterfront, which has been up for debate for 50 years.

The Kastrup Sea Bath also created a new man-made beach with <a href="http://inhabitat.com/spectacular-green-roofed-house-built-right-into-a-sand-dune-wants-a-buyer/" target="_blank">fresh sand</a>, revitalizing what was formerly a shoddy industrial beach. An adjacent building houses<a href="http://inhabitat.com/the-wheeler-school-student-center-is-a-green-roofed-glass-gem/" target="_blank"> lockers</a>, changing rooms, and lavatories for swimmer’s convenience. The Kastrup Sea Bath combines both sculpture and utility to create a community destination on the waterfront that all can enjoy.