TOP Water Parks in Ukraine: Architectural Gems and Innovations in the World of Water Entertainment

Evolution of Recreational Architecture in Ukraine: From Functionality to Experiences

Introduction: The Evolution of Recreational Architecture in Ukraine: From Functionality to Experiences

The recreational real estate market in Ukraine demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability. Even under conditions of economic turbulence, there is stable demand for quality leisure activities, which stimulates developers to invest in new, more ambitious projects. This trend is particularly evident in the aquapark segment, which over the past decade has evolved from simple pools with a few slides to complex, multifunctional entertainment complexes. Architecture in this process has transformed from a utilitarian shell into a key tool for creating unique experiences and a powerful marketing asset.

A modern Ukrainian aquapark is no longer just a collection of water attractions, but a complete, thoughtfully designed world where every element, from the building’s shape to the texture of finishing materials, works to create a unified atmosphere and unforgettable impressions. Analysis of leading industry facilities reveals several key vectors in architectural development.

First, thematization and immersiveness — creating unique conceptual “worlds,” such as the “Lost World” at Kyiv’s Dream Island, which allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in an atmosphere of adventure.

Second, multifunctionality, providing for the integration of aqua zones with SPA complexes, hotels, restaurants, and retail areas, transforming the aquapark into a full-fledged day resort.

Third, growing attention to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the use of modern construction technologies and engineering solutions is critically important for optimizing operational costs of such energy-intensive facilities.

The market demonstrates maturity, manifested in the transition from adapting existing structures to creating new facilities “from scratch.” Early projects, such as Lviv’s “Beach” aquapark, are the result of successful reconstruction of Soviet-era facilities, which was economically justified at the initial stage but imposed certain limitations on architectural freedom. Meanwhile, newer complexes such as “Carpatia” in Mukachevo are built according to a comprehensive, thoughtful concept, allowing the implementation of the boldest architectural and engineering ideas. This indicates investors’ deep understanding that architecture is not merely an expense item, but a key investment in long-term competitiveness and commercial success of the project.

This ranking aims to analyze Ukraine’s best aquaparks specifically through the lens of architectural and construction achievements. Our selection criteria include not only the number of slides or pool area, but the uniqueness of architectural concept, innovation in engineering solutions, design quality and its impact on visitor experience, as well as the facility’s potential for further development and modernization.

Comparative Characteristics of TOP-8 Ukrainian Aquaparks

Ranking of Architectural Achievements of Ukrainian Aquaparks

#1 — Aquapark “Terminal” (Brovary, Kyiv region)

Architectural Profile

Aquapark “Terminal” is one of the first and most renowned modern water complexes in Ukraine, which set high standards for the entire industry. Its concept is an ultra-modern urban entertainment hub where architecture emphasizes technology and multifunctionality. Located on four floors with a total area of 20,500 m², the complex impresses with its scale and thoughtful use of space. The key architectural and engineering feature, which remains unique for Ukraine, is the retractable transparent roof structure. This complex solution allows space transformation, combining the advantages of an indoor aquapark during cold seasons and an outdoor one in summer, which is a direct embodiment of an architectural response to the business task of maximizing seasonal attractiveness.

Construction and Engineering Achievements

The construction of the complex, which lasted from 2006 to 2009, became a landmark event for the Ukrainian entertainment market. The choice of equipment from leading Canadian manufacturer Whitewaters demonstrates orientation toward the highest global standards of quality and safety. Integration of Ukraine’s longest slide at the time of opening, “Master Blaster” (200 m), required complex engineering calculations of load-bearing structures and powerful water supply systems. To ensure hygiene and safety in a closed space with high attendance, a modern four-stage water treatment system was implemented, which is a critically important element of engineering infrastructure.

Design Solutions and Atmosphere

The aquapark’s interior is executed in a modern style with emphasis on space and light. One of the most successful design solutions is the transparent wall separating the entrance zone from the aqua zone. It creates an instant “wow effect” and a sense of immersion in the entertainment atmosphere even before passing the turnstiles. The space layout is visually open and intuitively understandable: most attractions are within sight, which improves navigation and creates a sense of security, especially for families with children.

Conceptual Design from “Mehbud” for “Terminal” Aquapark

For updating the exterior and increasing the building’s energy efficiency, “Mehbud” facade cassettes are ideally suited. Their modular system allows for creating dynamic, modern facades, and the wide color palette according to the RAL catalog provides the opportunity to implement bright design solutions that emphasize the entertainment character of the complex. Considering the high humidity and use of chemical reagents inside, cubic shaped and rack ceilings from “Mehbud” made of aluminum are the optimal solution for interior zones. They are not subject to corrosion, are easily cleaned, comply with sanitary standards for public premises, and allow hiding extensive engineering communications while maintaining easy access for their maintenance.

#2 – Aquapark “Dream Island” (Kyiv)

Architectural Profile

“Dream Island” is a project that impresses with its scale and ambition. Being one of the largest indoor aquaparks in Europe (area 24,000-25,000 m²), it implements a holistic architectural concept of a themed “Lost World” in Jurassic Park style. The project’s uniqueness lies in its integration into the structure of the operating Dream Town shopping and entertainment center. This solution is a complex architectural and engineering task requiring careful calculation of building structure loads, visitor flow logistics, and routing of complex engineering communications.

Construction and Engineering Achievements

The facility’s construction was handled by DMV Plus, which has significant experience in implementing complex hydraulic structures. One of the key challenges was creating a reliable waterproofing system on the third floor of the shopping center for pools with a total water surface area of about 4,000 m². To ensure uninterrupted and safe operation of the complex, equipment from leading world manufacturers such as Speck (Germany), Fluidra (Spain), and Certikin (Great Britain) was used, guaranteeing reliability of filtration, dosing, and water treatment systems.

Design Solutions and Atmosphere

The main advantage of “Dream Island” is its unique immersive design. The huge space is filled with decorations in the form of exotic plants, prehistoric animals, and lost temples, creating an atmosphere of complete immersion in a world of adventure. The space is competently zoned: a large children’s area of about 700 m² is provided for the youngest visitors, while adults have extreme slides, wave pools, and a separate “Bath World” with nine types of baths and SPA procedures, allowing for effective distribution of visitor flows with different interests.

Conceptual Design from “Mehbud” for “Dream Island” Aquapark

For fencing technical zones and creating private VIP sectors within the complex, “Mehbud” louver fences are ideally suited. Their design provides the necessary level of privacy while not impeding natural air circulation, which is extremely important for maintaining microclimate in an indoor aquapark. For ceiling finishing in food court areas, locker rooms, and the “Bath World,” Grillato ceilings can be used. They create a visually light, openwork structure, allow hiding ventilation ducts and other communications, and also meet high fire safety requirements for public premises.

#3 – Aquapark “Carpathia” (Mukachevo)

Architectural Profile

“Carpathia” is a bright example of new-generation recreational architecture. This is the largest aquapark in Western Ukraine, whose concept is based on the synergy of active entertainment and health recreation through integration of thermal pools. The project was developed by the Architectural Design Group of Anna Kyriy, known for its modern, functional, and aesthetically expressive solutions. The complex’s architecture harmoniously fits into the surrounding landscape, and the use of Carpathian identity in branding and design (slide names “Beskyd,” “Borzhava,” pool “Synevyrska Wave”) creates unique regional color.

Construction and Engineering Achievements

The complex was built “from scratch” on a 1.7-hectare site, with the aqua zone area exceeding 3,000 m². The main engineering challenge was combining water treatment circuits for regular pools and thermal pools, whose water has a unique chemical composition and healing properties, into a single system. The project provides for the possibility of further expansion and construction of hotels and a full SPA resort, which demonstrates a long-term and well-thought-out territory development strategy.

Design Solutions and Atmosphere

The design of exteriors and interiors actively uses natural motifs, textures, and materials, creating an atmosphere of unity with Carpathian nature. Thoughtful zoning includes extreme slides, safe children’s zones, a large SPA zone with saunas and salt room, as well as the unique “Carpathian River” attraction that flows through the entire complex territory and connects different locations.

Conceptual Design from “Mehbud” for “Carpathia” Aquapark

To emphasize the ecological style and harmonious integration into the Carpathian landscape, “Mehbud” facade panels with Printech coating that imitates natural wood texture are an ideal solution for cladding facades of new buildings. This solution combines the aesthetics of natural material with the durability and stability of metal. For fencing the complex territory, it’s advisable to use “Rancho” fence, which with its style perfectly supports the suburban atmosphere and provides reliable perimeter protection.

#4 – Aquapark “Beach” (Lviv)

Architectural Profile

Lviv’s “Beach” aquapark is a unique and successful example of reconstruction and modernization. The facility, built in the 1980s as a Palace of Water Sports according to a project by architects Zinoviy Pidlisnyy, Vasyl Kamenshchyk, and Yuliya Verblyan, received new life in 2008 thanks to reconstruction under architect Yaroslav Mastyla’s leadership. This project demonstrates the possibility of preserving a building’s functional purpose while completely changing its concept – from purely sports to modern sports-entertainment.

Construction and Engineering Achievements

A key achievement of the reconstruction is the preservation and modernization of the 50-meter Olympic pool, which allowed the complex to combine entertainment and sports functions, attracting different target audiences. The integration of nine extreme slides, the highest reaching the height of a nine-story building, into the existing building structure became a serious engineering challenge requiring precise load calculations and reinforcement of load-bearing elements. Plans for further development, including construction of a multi-level parking garage and business center, indicate the aquapark’s transformation into a large urban multifunctional hub.

Design Solutions and Atmosphere

The complex’s design is functional and pragmatic, combining elements of a sports facility and entertainment zone. The interior is distinguished by clear zoning into entertainment, sports (with 50-meter pool), and relaxation zones (with saunas and jacuzzis), allowing different visitor groups to coexist comfortably.

Conceptual Design from “Mehbud” for “Beach” Aquapark

When building the new business center and parking garage, “Mehbud” ventilated facades can be used to create a unified modern architectural ensemble. They will not only give buildings a stylish appearance but also significantly increase their energy efficiency, which is important for commercial real estate. For interior premises, especially in pool areas with high humidity and chlorine content in the air, rack metal ceilings are an ideal solution, being absolutely resistant to corrosion and easily subjected to sanitary treatment.

#5 – Aquapark “Treasure Island” (Kyrylivka)

Architectural Profile

“Treasure Island” is a project that impresses with its scope. Being the largest aquapark in Ukraine by area (60,000 m²), it’s designed as a classic outdoor resort entertainment center. The concept, developed by founders Taras Chekurda and Andriy Kalganov, is based on popular pirate themes. Large-scale territory planning includes 8 pools, 34 attractions, and the central landscape design element – the “Lazy River” that runs through the entire complex and connects different zones.

Construction and Engineering Achievements

Implementation of such a large-scale project on the Sea of Azov coast required serious engineering solutions. A huge central pool with an area of 1,720 m² was created. A complex water supply system based on own artesian wells was organized, which is critically important for providing quality water to such a large facility in a resort region.

Design Solutions and Atmosphere

The complex’s design is completely subordinated to pirate themes. The central element of the children’s zone is a six-meter pirate ship that serves simultaneously as a playground and launching pad for children’s slides. Architecture and attraction names, food court design (“Billy Bones”), and other infrastructure elements support the general concept of adventure and treasure hunting, creating a holistic and attractive image for family audiences.

Conceptual Design from “Mehbud” for “Treasure Island” Aquapark

For fencing the huge perimeter (6 hectares) and zoning internal territories (VIP zones, technical zones), reliable and durable solutions are needed. “Horizont” fence from “Mehbud” provides maximum privacy and security. Its solid construction and double anti-corrosion protection (galvanized steel + polymer coating) are critically important advantages in marine climate conditions with high salt content in the air, which aggressively affects metal structures.

#6 – Aquapark “Odesa” (Odesa)

Architectural Profile

Aquapark “Odesa” is a large-scale outdoor complex covering 5 hectares, designed for high capacity (up to 5,000 visitors simultaneously), making it one of the key summer recreation facilities in the region. Its strategic location at the 7th kilometer of Ovidiopol Road provides convenient transport accessibility for both Odesa residents and numerous tourists. Architectural planning is oriented toward creating maximally comfortable and safe space for mass family recreation.

Construction and Engineering Achievements

Construction of the complex involved creating complex engineering infrastructure capable of ensuring uninterrupted operation of a large number of water attractions and pools, including large wave and hydromassage pools. Special attention was paid to filtration and water treatment systems designed for peak loads during the height of tourist season.

Design Solutions and Atmosphere

The aquapark’s design aims to create a bright and sunny atmosphere associated with a southern resort. Use of saturated colors in the design of slides, pools, and landscaping elements creates a positive and festive mood. A large number of sun loungers, shade canopies, and a developed network of food establishments ensure comfortable stay throughout the day.

Conceptual Design from “Mehbud” for “Odesa” Aquapark

For equipping numerous canopies over recreation areas and food courts, rack and cubic structures from “Mehbud” can be effectively used. Made from aluminum or galvanized steel with polymer coating, they create necessary shade, don’t impede natural ventilation, and are resistant to sun fading. For updating facades of administrative buildings and technical structures, “Mehbud” panel facades are suitable, which will allow quick modernization of the complex’s external appearance and give it a unified stylistic image.

#7 – Aquapark “Happy Day” (Dnipro)

Architectural Profile

“Happy Day” is the first and largest aquapark in Dnipro, with a total area of 16,000 m². Its unique architectural and landscape advantage is its location directly on the Dnipro River bank. This allowed architects to maximally integrate the complex into the natural environment, combining artificial water attractions with natural water area and beach recreation. The facility’s spatial organization is oriented toward creating panoramic river views and ensuring open, airy space.

Construction and Engineering Achievements

The central element of the complex is a large adult pool with an area of over 1,000 m², whose construction required significant volumes of concrete and waterproofing work. An engineering feature is the integration of two large jacuzzis, each designed for 20 people, which is a popular relaxation element in modern water complexes.

Design Solutions and Atmosphere

The aquapark’s design creates an atmosphere of a modern urban resort. The main emphasis is on comfortable recreation zones that can accommodate up to 2,000 people, and developed food infrastructure including cafes, bars, and food courts. Use of light tones, natural finishing materials, and a large number of green plantings enhance the feeling of recreation in nature.

Conceptual Design from “Mehbud” for “Happy Day” Aquapark

For creating stylish and functional locker rooms, shower cabins, and restrooms, moisture-resistant HPL partitions and cassette metal ceilings from “Mehbud” can be used. These materials are hygienic, easily cleaned, are not afraid of direct water contact, and are resistant to aggressive environments with high humidity. For elegant zone separation between food courts and pools, “Vertical” fences can be used, creating a light but strong barrier without blocking the river view.

#8 – Aquapark “Kosyno” (Transcarpathia)

Architectural Profile

The health and recreational complex “Kosyno” is a unique facility combining a seasonal summer aquapark and year-round thermal resort. The complex’s architecture is completely subordinated to the idea of healing, relaxation, and unity with nature. The central architectural element of the aqua zone is Ukraine’s largest wave pool “Sea Wave,” around which the entire entertainment space is organized.

Construction and Engineering Achievements

The key engineering achievement is creating a complex system for supply, preparation, and distribution of thermal water with unique healing properties, which is the basis of the health direction of the complex. This required using specialized materials and equipment resistant to mineralized water.

Design Solutions and Atmosphere

The complex’s design maximally uses natural materials, particularly wood and stone, creating a sense of harmony with the surrounding Transcarpathian landscape. Themed saunas, recreation zones, and jacuzzi pools with aromatic water create an atmosphere of complete relaxation and tranquility, distinguishing “Kosyno” from predominantly entertainment aquaparks.

Conceptual Design from “Mehbud” for “Kosyno” Aquapark

For fencing the perimeter of thermal pools that function year-round and are exposed to aggressive mineralized water and significant temperature fluctuations, materials with increased corrosion resistance are needed. Aluminum fences from “Mehbud” are an ideal solution, as aluminum doesn’t rust and maintains aesthetic appearance for decades. For cladding new buildings and SPA centers, “Louver” facade systems can be used, which will provide modern appearance, natural room ventilation, and protection from summer overheating.

Conclusion: The Future of Water Complexes in Ukraine – Investments in Quality and Experiences

Analysis of Ukraine’s leading aquaparks demonstrates the industry’s confident movement toward improving the quality of architectural and engineering solutions. From simple functionality, the market has moved to creating complex experiences where architecture and design play key roles. Successful projects prove that the future belongs to multifunctional complexes where architectural solutions ensure synergy of different activity directions – entertainment, health, sports, and even business. This allows expanding the target audience and going beyond seasonality, transforming the aquapark into a year-round center of attraction.

In conditions of high humidity, constant chemical exposure, and intensive operation, choosing durable, safe, and aesthetic construction materials becomes a decisive factor not only for external appearance but also for the facility’s economic efficiency. Modern solutions from leading Ukrainian manufacturers, such as “Mehbud” plant, offer architects and developers a wide toolkit for implementing the boldest ideas. Ventilated facades, corrosion-resistant metal ceilings, and reliable fences allow creating bright architectural images while ensuring structure durability and minimizing future operational costs.

Growing demand for quality domestic tourism and family recreation will undoubtedly stimulate further investments in building new and modernizing existing aquaparks. Competition will increasingly shift toward architecture quality, concept uniqueness, and service level, opening new horizons for architects, builders, and manufacturers of innovative construction materials in Ukraine.