The Luzhniki Olympic Complex in Moscow, has commissioned Canadian developer OpenAire to create a customised retractable skylight for its Aquapark facility.

The 6,947sq m (74,776sq ft) curved roof enclosure is intended to create a unique environment for swimmers - opening up to the sun and fresh air on warm days, yet closing quickly and securely in cold or wet weather.

The result is an outdoor-style pool that can operate and stay warm through Moscow's bitter winters.

The skylight design is for a sweeping, dynamic enclosure at the Luzhniki Olympic Complex, which will play host to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The lightweight, aluminum-framed enclosure will measure 50m wide by 138m long and will rest on two one metre-high sidewalls and two vertical ends.

The length is divided into 25 bays spaced 6m apart, with 10 motorised roof panels that open smoothly and quickly with a custom-designed rack and pinion motor system provided by OpenAire.

OpenAire says the new enclosure will also provide substantial energy and maintenance savings for the Luzhniki Aquapark's operators.

When opened, the structure's panels will let in sunlight and fresh air, reducing the need for air-conditioning in the summer. And when closed in the winter, the skylight provides solar gain to reduce required heating, plus year-round natural light eliminates the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. The all-aluminium truss system is corrosion proof, not requiring maintenance.

Covering 153 hectares, Luzhniki has been one of the world's largest sports complexes since its completion in 1956 and has previously hosted the 1980 Summer Olympic Games.

Mark Albertine, president and CEO of OpenAire said: “Our team is well-equipped for large-scale projects like this. Direct sunlight and fresh air combined with the security of an indoor setting captures people's senses in a unique way. The result will be a state-of-the-art skylight that opens and closes seamlessly with the changing weather and gives an unobstructed view of the outside sky.”

In 2012, OpenAire helped design and build the world's largest free-standing retractable aluminium dome for the Royal Marine Waterpark in Donetsk, Ukraine.