Lemay's "judicious" design for an aquatics centre in Canada ensures it is not only sleek and sympathetic to its context, but that it uses energy-saving measures to moderate its running costs.

The Beloeil Aquatics Centre was completed last year with little in the way of fanfare, but it shows that attractive and intelligent design can be delivered on a modest budget.

The CAD$16.5m (US$12.5m, €11.5m, £9.5m), 55,000sq ft (5,100sq m) facility not only considers its pastoral location but makes use of a number of elements for efficient operation.

It comprises a translucent upper portion set on a solid black base, referencing the contrast between the surrounding agricultural lands and the brightness of the sky.

The translucency of the upper portion provides a visual connection between the interior and the exterior of the building, creates a signature glow when the centre is illuminated at night and allows natural light to flood in during the day.

This is one of a number of energy-saving measures that are said to save CAD$150,000 (US$113,000, €105,000, £87,000) and 750 tons (680 tonnes) of CO2 a year.

The centre is orientated to optimise exposure to sunlight, again helping to light its interior naturally, but also helping to provide heat.

Elsewhere, water is treated using microfilter ceramics and UV dechlorination, mechanical systems use geothermal energy and a rain recovery system allows greywater to be reused.

“Our goal was to maximize delicate and nuanced design strategies to make the most of this community-building opportunity," said Pierre E. Leclerc, associate at Lemay and project director.

The facility houses a semi-Olympic size pool with viewing bleachers, a recreational pool, a beach, a children's wading pool with a slide, a sauna and changing rooms with family areas.