Porchester Centre embraces bath's rich heritage

As stipulated by conservation conditions, bespoke tiles of Off White and Blue Racing Lines, custom-made to a measurement of 113x223mm, were created to perfectly emulate the colour of the pool’s original brickwork and reflect its aged appearance. 

One-of-a-kind Red tiles were also produced in a tailored size to replace those initially laid to mark the change in depth at the centre of the pool. In compliance with current safety standards, the floor tiles were provided in a satin finish featuring slip resistant properties while those that grace the walls are adorned with a glossy sheen, the tones of each indistinguishable from the other. 

Bespoke quadrants crafted to echo the bold blue featured within the tank have been applied to the steps, highlighting and softening their edges, while the weathered limestone coping that has proudly bordered the 30-metre pool since its inception remains in place, beautifully complementing the bath’s ornate barrel-vaulted ceiling and clerestory of ocular windows. 

Sitting adjacent to this authentic feature, Solus’ dove grey Stonecrop tiles from the Technical Pool range compose the walkways, their pinhead finish ensuring safety standards are met. The product makes a further appearance on the floors of the accessible changing rooms, where White and Lead Grey tiles from the stylish Modular range bedeck the walls.

The smaller, and arguably more modest, teaching pool, which measures 20-metres in length, also underwent a recent refurbishment, again led by Hyrdrospec Ltd with assistance from Solus. 

Mirroring contemporary swimming pool designs, the traditionally styled Washington tiles from the Westlock range and White tiles from the Modular series line the floors and walls of the tank, with Technical Pool’s pinhead finished Whitlow used for the step landings, treads and infills. The walkways are composed of Stonecrop tiles, while the building’s internal walls are decorated with White tiles, topped with a sleek border of Lead Grey. 

Managing Director of Hydrospec Ltd John Cheek said: “We had the privilege of revitalising the teaching pool in 2018 and were elated to be able to work on the refurbishment of the heritage pool more recently. Everyone involved in the project, from Solus to iCON Building Consultancy, Everyone Active / Sports Leisure Management and ultimately Westminster City Council, was passionate about recreating the original aesthetics of the pool and this commitment is clearly demonstrated in the finished result.”