Citywave, Vilnius, Lithuania
Background
Citywave Vilnius is no ordinary indoor pool—it’s Europe’s second-ever indoor surfing facility designed to simulate ocean-style waves in a controlled environment. Located in Vilnius, Lithuania, this advanced sports and entertainment venue brings year-round wave riding to the Baltic region. Its innovative wave pool generates continuous, powerful swells ideal for both beginners and professional surfers alike.
As part of the facility’s new air ducting system, the project team needed a solution that could meet the complex conditions inside the surfing zone. The system had to maintain thermal comfort for spectators and athletes while managing high humidity and preventing condensation, all without disrupting the unique experience that defines indoor surfing.
Problem
Indoor surf parks present HVAC challenges like natatoriums but with varying moisture levels and air movement. The continuous turbulence and spray from the surf pool generate high humidity, which increases the risk of condensation on duct surfaces, ceilings, and windows. In these environments, metal ductwork is prone to corrosion and often fails to maintain consistent airflow distribution, especially in high-ceiling spaces where stratification and chemical buildup can compromise indoor air quality and comfort.
To ensure an optimal environment, the facility needed a ventilation system capable of providing uniform airflow, with materials that resist corrosion and withstand prolonged exposure to moisture.
Solution
The citywave Vilnius team selected a duct system based on a proven success story: the facility’s owner had seen textile ducts installed in a similar venue in Germany and was familiar with its benefits. With that experience in mind, FabricAir was chosen to design a custom-engineered air dispersion system for the unique demands of the indoor surf environment.
The installed system features:
- SonicFlow™ to deliver directional, low-velocity airflow throughout the space
- Combi 70 fabric for air supply ducts
- Combi 30 fabric for air extract ducts
- Type 5 All-in-One suspension system, offering robust shape retention in humid conditions
- Total airflow capacity of 26,000 m³/h, designed to maintain optimal climate control across the entire facility
The ducts were manufactured in dark grey to complement the facility’s modern, high-performance design.
Results
The textile duct system at citywave Vilnius provides consistent, uniform air distribution throughout the venue, eliminating cold drafts and stagnant air pockets. The permeable textile ducts and precision airflow prevent condensation from forming on the ducts or surrounding structures, a frequent issue with traditional metal systems in aquatic environments.
Beyond comfort and performance, the corrosion-resistant, low-maintenance nature of the textile ducts ensures long-term reliability, even in the facility’s highly humid conditions. The clean design also aligns with the modern aesthetics of the space.
citywave Vilnius offers a high-performance surf experience without sacrificing indoor air quality. With FabricAir’s engineered solution in place, both surfers and spectators can catch waves comfortably year-round.
Additional Information
BLOG: Solving natatorium air dispersion and condensation challenges
Photos of Fabric Ducts Installed in Sports, Leisure & Entertainment Applications
