Transfo Duiktank

Unique diving tank with international allure

On the Transfos site at Zwevegem, hidden in a buffer basin, are three old fuel oil tanks. The largest is no less than 17 metres high and has a diameter of 28 metres. The repurposing of this unique property presented a tough challenge in itself. Brainstorming sessions by an international group of young architects brought up interesting ideas, such as an arena theatre or … a diving tank modelled on Gasometer in Duisburg’s Landscape Park. The latter idea caught on.

The Dutch Language League for Underwater Research and Sport (NELOS) was immediately taken with the idea of a diving tank in the former fuel oil tanks and carried out a preliminary study, including market research and financial estimation. A diving tank would be the solution to offer training at great depth and with perfect visibility. Diving in a diving tank can be compared to diving in open water. In Belgium and the Netherlands, diving in open water always means limited visibility. The diving tank is therefore a perfect intermediate step between diving in a pool and in open water. It is therefore ideal for safely preparing the diver for the turbulent outdoor water.

The diving tank in the former fuel oil tank is constructed so that the actual diving tank is decentralised in the original heating oil tank.

This creates a space between the inner and outer tank that is filled in as a technical area (basement floor), reception and cafeteria (ground floor), changing room and sanitary facilities (1st and 2nd floors) and diving tank boarding area (3rd floor). A lift and interior staircase serve the various floors. Daylight enters the tank thanks to the large air cushion roof on the diving tank. The other rooms are partly lit by a piercing of the original tank. Non-divers can glimpse through the windows of the diving tank at the reception desk or in the cafeteria.