Pretty Plastic Panels at Tongelreep National Swimming Centre in Eindhoven, The Netherlands || FRONT Materials

Pretty Plastic Panels at Tongelreep National Swimming Centre

Innovation in Circular Architecture

In a landmark moment for sustainable construction, FRONT is proud to showcase the renovation of the Tongelreep National Swimming Centre, an iconic facility in the heart of Eindhoven.

This project represents the largest application of Pretty Plastic Panels to date, with 1400 m² of facade clad in 30,800 shingles made from 100% recycled PVC. That’s over 34,000 kilograms of construction waste upcycled into a bold architectural statement.

Impact

Waste upcycled with this project 34,160 kg
Pretty Plastic Panels at Tongelreep National Swimming Centre in Eindhoven, The Netherlands || FRONT Materials
Credit: Maarten van Apeldoorn Fotografie

A Facade with a Purpose

Selected for its circular qualities, aesthetic versatility, and local roots, Pretty Plastic’s First One Panel was the ideal choice for this high-profile public project. Slangen+Koenis Architects recognised the unique potential of the material early on, integrating it into a facade design that balances robustness and refinement.

The swimming centre’s new look aligns with the existing stadium structure, featuring an anthracite base with more open sections above. The enclosed parts of the pool area are wrapped in small-scale shingles, delivering rich texture and depth. The Pretty Plastic Panels (flexible and easy to install) were cut to size on-site and applied in a gradient pattern of six shades of subtle green and grey tones, evoking the natural hues of the adjacent Tongelreep River landscape.

This project reflects the power of collaborative circular construction. Pretty Plastic worked closely with the Municipality of Eindhoven, Slangen+Koenis Architects, and Mertens Bouwbedrijf to ensure the renovation met the highest sustainability standards without compromising on design.

Pretty Plastic Panels at Tongelreep National Swimming Centre in Eindhoven, The Netherlands || FRONT Materials
Credit: Maarten van Apeldoorn Fotografie
Pretty Plastic Panels at Tongelreep National Swimming Centre in Eindhoven, The Netherlands || FRONT Materials
Credit: Maarten van Apeldoorn Fotografie
Pretty Plastic Panels at Tongelreep National Swimming Centre in Eindhoven, The Netherlands || FRONT Materials
Credit: Maarten van Apeldoorn Fotografie
Pretty Plastic Panels at Tongelreep National Swimming Centre in Eindhoven, The Netherlands || FRONT Materials
Credit: Maarten van Apeldoorn Fotografie