What should you do if your neighbour keeps flooding your garden? The renovation of the Steele outdoor pool in Essen is an extraordinary story.

Bernd

The Steele outdoor pool in Essen lies directly on the Ruhr River. Although this loca­tion is picturesque, it is also dange­rous during not-uncommon floo­ding events: in July 2021, the “Bernd” low-pres­sure system resulted in the floo­ding of the swim­ming pool and damage to the tech­nical faci­li­ties and the club­house.

Ther­e­fore, the Sports and Swim­ming Pools Depart­ment of the city of Essen, as owners, and Schwimm­freunde Steele 1911, as tenants and users, natu­rally demanded that resi­li­ence to floo­ding events should be part of the recon­s­truc­tion.

The plan­ning was carried out by the Deye Plan­ning Office in Hatten, while the pool basin was built by Myrtha Pools.

River bath

The Steele outdoor pool was founded in 1945 from a river bathing faci­lity on the Ruhr, and is the smal­lest outdoor pool in Essen. After exten­sive reno­va­tion, it was reopened with a ceremony in May 2024 — and it has already passed the test when it comes to floo­ding.

Now it can fulfil its purpose as an idyllic meeting place with in a wonderful setting, as a sports faci­lity for both young and old and as a desti­na­tion for excur­sions for the whole family.

With a water surface of almost 400 m², the combined 25m swim­mers’ and non-swim­mers’ pool is the centre­piece of the faci­lity. It is heated and main­tained at a plea­sant water tempe­ra­ture of around 23°C, provi­ding a comfor­table swim­ming expe­ri­ence even on cooler days.

Containers

The decision to house all of the pool tech­no­logy in contai­ners is also far-sighted and ground­brea­king in compa­rison to similar projects, because they can be taken to safety in good time when floo­ding is immi­nent.

By incre­asing the rein­force­ment of the banks and opti­mi­sing the drai­nage systems, the site has also been desi­gned in such a way that it can better with­stand future flood events. In addi­tion, the outdoor swim­ming area has been rede­si­gned in its enti­rety in order to create a natural barrier against floo­ding.

Topography

The design of the site also takes the natural topo­graphy into account, and harmo­niously inte­grates the pool into its envi­ron­ment. A large sunbathing lawn with shady trees offers visi­tors peace and rela­xa­tion, while a modern play­ground and a clim­bing course appeal in parti­cular to fami­lies with children.

Since its reope­ning, the Steele outdoor pool has been very popular despite the mediocre summer of 2024, which under­lines its importance to the local commu­nity. Natu­rally, events orga­nised by the very committed SF Steele 1911, such as the annual Steeler duck race, also contri­buted to the pool quickly beco­ming a vibrant centre for sports and leisure once again.

The Water Factory Szczecin combines sport, leisure, education and entertainment, as well as innovation, functionality and aesthetics – all in a most remarkable way.

Fabryka Wody

The Water Factory brings a fanta­stic range of sports and leisure acti­vi­ties to the Polish city of Szczecin (form­erly Stettin, popu­la­tion 400,000) – and is much more than just a swim­ming pool.

The attrac­tions at the Water Factory Szczecin (Fabryka Wody) include 21 swim­ming pools, eleven water slides, a huge well­ness area, a beach with volley­ball court and an amphi­theatre that can be trans­formed into an ice rink in winter. This is the sporting area.

On the other side, the western wing of the 17,000 m² area is dedi­cated to the Water Factory Educa­tion Centre. Here you will find a wealth of know­ledge and enter­tain­ment on the subject of water and its importance with regard to our lives and our civi­li­sa­tion.

Water features and desert sauna

The water features and swim­ming pools at Water Factory Szczecin cover an area of more than 2,400 m², inclu­ding a complete indoor pool complete with sports basin, rela­xa­tion area inclu­ding infi­nity pool, salt­water pool, outdoor pool, paddling pool for children and a VIP area with cinema screen.

The well­ness area comprises 18 themed saunas in their very own worlds. These include a desert sauna, a para­dise island, a volcanic sauna, rose or beer baths, and a snow grotto.

Networks and peepholes

The Water Factory Educa­tion Centre consists of six thematic blocks: Space, Climate, Ocean, Humans, Water Civi­li­sa­tion and Water Tech­no­logy, all of which make use of digital media and networks. Visi­tors can launch a ship here or make rain­bows, water swirls, and clouds.

The labo­ra­to­ries and having the oppor­tu­nity to go under­neath the swim­ming pools and look through peepholes to gain insight into water tech­no­logy and treat­ment, as well as energy gene­ra­tion and supply, are equally exci­ting.

Amenities and sunshine

The Water Factory Szczecin also boasts the latest equip­ment and buil­ding tech­no­logy. This includes not only state-of-the-art and time-hono­ured swim­ming pool tech­no­logy, but also water tech­no­logy and the use of rene­wable energy. This makes it possible to sunbathe in both the indoor swim­ming pool and the well­ness area – thanks to skylights made of ETFE film, which let UV radia­tion (natural sunlight) into the inte­rior of the buil­ding.

50 years after its inauguration, the Alster swimming pool (Alsterschwimmhalle) was extensively renovated, remodelled and extended.

Like Sydney

The cere­mo­nial reope­ning of the Alster­schwimm­halle will take place on November 24, 2023. As one of Europe’s largest shell buil­dings, the indoor swim­ming pool, desi­gned by archi­tects Horst Niessen, Rolf Störmer, Walter Neuhäusser, and the engi­neer Jörg Schlaich, is an outstan­ding example of Hamburg’s post-war archi­tec­ture.

At the time, the concrete shell roof, which consists of two hyper­bolic para­bo­loid shells carried by three supports, reminded Hamburg’s citi­zens of the Sydney Opera House – and since then, has been lovingly nick­named “Schwimm­oper” (“Swim­ming Opera”). The spec­ta­cular shell roof, the enormous inte­rior with the 50-meter pool, and the facade cons­truc­tion were retained. At the same time, the sports faci­li­ties were compre­hen­si­vely rede­si­gned for the first time and supple­mented with contem­po­rary addi­tions.

Under monument protection

Origi­nally, the Alster­schwimm­halle was cons­tructed as a compe­ti­tion venue but over time it became a leisure pool for the general public. Despite its 400,000 visi­tors in 2014, for finan­cial reasons closure of the pool, demo­li­tion, and cons­truc­tion of a new modern buil­ding was under discus­sion.

In coope­ra­tion with schlaich berger­mann partner (sbp), gmp deve­loped a feasi­bi­lity study that became the basis for the decision to retain and refur­bish the buil­ding.

A key element in this decision was the fact that the spec­ta­cular roof had been given listed status. Cove­ring a floor area of 4,500 square meters, the roof – which is only 8 centi­me­ters thick and held up by three diagonal support struts — soars to a height of 24 meters at its tips. Two of the three support points are linked via a tie beam beneath the swim­ming pool. With spans of up to 96 meters, the roof is still one of the largest of its kind in the world.

THE TECHNOLOGY USED IS CALLED “RENOVACTION” AND IS SUCCESSFULLY USED BY MYRTHA POOLS FOR THE RENOVATION AND RENEWAL OF EXISTING BATHS

The focus of the moder­ni­sa­tion was the new pool. The worn–out ceramic pool was replaced by a stain­less steel pool with foiling — a proven and unbeat­ably effi­cient system. The tech­no­logy behind it is called “Reno­vAc­tion” and is successfully used by Myrtha Pools for the reno­va­tion and renewal of exis­ting baths. This modular approach is suitable for the reno­va­tion of indi­vi­dual areas such as walls, over­flow gutters or floors, but also for the reno­va­tion of the entire pool struc­ture, as was neces­sary in Borstel.

Another high­light of the Myrtha tech­nique is “Soft­walk”, a soft, closed-pore foam pad which has been inserted on the pool floor under the PVC coating and makes move­ment through the water noti­ce­ably more plea­sant and safe.

The pool is now 16.66 m long and eight metres wide. Although the area is slightly larger overall, the reduced depth results in a volume of 240 m³, which is an energy-saving 20 m³ less than before the reno­va­tion.

WITH INCREASING CAPACITY UTILISATION, THE REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER TECHNOLOGY ARE ALSO INCREASING.

Before the reno­va­tion, the water quality was guaran­teed by the large make-up quan­tity of drin­king water. This is no longer neces­sary, and the drin­king water and the lost thermal energy are now saved.

The water treat­ment of the baths has been brought up to the state of the art, so that the water quality is guaran­teed even at the higher load.

The measu­ring water, pure water and surge water pipes have been comple­tely reno­vated. Now there are energy-effi­cient pumps and a control tech­no­logy which mini­mises opera­ting costs. The faci­li­ties in the tech­nical room have been funda­men­tally moder­nised. Here there is now the most modern tech­no­logy in the area.

A SMALL BATHS, IN OTHER WORDS, WHICH, THANKS TO PLANNING SKILLS AND SUSTAINABLE MODULAR CONSTRUCTION, MAKES A VITAL CONTRIBUTION TO BORSTEL’S CHILDREN BEING ABLE TO LEARN TO SWIM.

The total costs amounted to around 1.2 million euros. This includes funding in the amount of €480,000.

For this very modest sum in bath­room cons­truc­tion, the Aquaris in Borstel received a gene­ra­tion-appro­priate, blue stain­less-steel pool with a foil floor in the most modern modular design, a comple­tely new tech­nical room with sustainable equip­ment, as well as new showers and chan­ging rooms.

The Aquaris Borstel is not a sports and compe­ti­tion pool, but it is record-brea­king in terms of its useful­ness and sustaina­bi­lity. 20 sports courses are already taking place here; in addi­tion, schools, kinder­gar­tens, the commu­nity college and out-of-town clubs have reserved bathing times.

A new addi­tion to the programme is an offer for todd­lers from twelve months. A small baths which, thanks to plan­ning skills and sustainable modular cons­truc­tion, reflects on its tasks of public services and makes a vital contri­bu­tion to the fact that at least Bors­tel’s children can learn to swim.

Exem­plary!

The combination of water ark and holiday resort has proved to be extremely successful.

The concept has proved to be extre­mely successful, with visitor numbers approa­ching 1.5 million guests a year for the three resorts. Most of the guests come from Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Germany.

In addition to being a fabulous water park, Lalandia is also a recreational centre.

Several smaller pools and acti­vi­ties are desi­gned for the youn­gest children, who can run around in a safe envi­ron­ment where trained life­guards keep a close eye on ever­yone.

1,600 guests at the same time require high capacity and superior acoustics

To solve the problem, sections of Trold­tekt acou­stic panels have been installed on the large walls, and also on the ceiling above the children’s pool.

In addition to the centre itself, Lalandia also rents out 464 holiday homes, all equipped with Troldtekt ceilings.

The barrier-free building also plays host to a district administration office, including rooms for meetings and conferences for district representatives.

In coope­ra­tion with the Bäder­ge­sell­schaft Düssel­dorf mbH, the North Rhine-West­pha­lian state capital of Düssel­dorf has realized a pionee­ring swim­ming venue and meeting place for leisure, sports and poli­tics on the banks of the Rhine.

With its shape and silver-grey facade, the organic buil­ding complex is remi­nis­cent of a pebble lying next to the Rhine. It houses an indoor pool, a physio­the­rapy prac­tice, a fitness room for use by clubs and for physio­the­rapy as well as an event room for up to 200 people.

The new multi­func­tional and comple­tely barrier-free buil­ding also plays host to a district admi­nis­tra­tion office, inclu­ding rooms for meetings and confe­rences for district repre­sen­ta­tives. Next to the complex there is a large area with 131 parking spaces as well as bicycle parking spaces. And right across from that there is a 50 by 70 metre foot­ball trai­ning pitch.

The swimming area includes a 25‑m pool with diving towers, a separate 15 × 8 metre teaching and lesson pool with an adjustable floor and a playfully designed children’s splash area.

“Rhein­blick 741 – Begeg­nung am Wasser” is the only indoor pool in Düssel­dorf that offers swim­mers a view of the Rhine.

Thanks to the large windows, the inte­rior is flooded with daylight.

The swim­ming area includes a 25-metre pool with diving towers, a sepa­rate 15 × 8 metre teaching and lesson pool with an adjus­table floor, a warm water pool and a playfully desi­gned children’s splash area with many colourful water toys. One high­light here is the “Minia­ture Rhine”, which flows through the area and can be dammed up.

Around the lesson pool, there is a long stone bench from which all areas are visible.

Particularly eye-catching are the triangular Troldtekt ceiling panels seemingly reflecting the surface of the water.

In the children’s area, turquoise mosaic tiles combined with brown floor tiles and brightly coloured walls create a friendly atmo­sphere. In the swim­ming area, large brown floor tiles are paired with brown mosaic tiles, crea­ting a warm contrast to the bright walls.

Parti­cu­larly eye-catching and an important design element are the trian­gular Trold­tekt ceiling panels that have been installed, seemingly reflec­ting the surface of the water.

Trold­tekt is cement-bonded wood wool panels that ensure good acou­stics in any room. The acou­stic panels are manu­fac­tured using certi­fied wood, which is a 100 per cent natural mate­rial, and cement, which is extra­cted from Danish mineral resources.  

This provides a healthy and strong mate­rial with unique sound absor­bing proper­ties.

IAKS has compiled a report on a number of trends in the swimming centres and outdoor baths of the future.

Photos (3):
Lunnevi­badet in Gräs­torp, © We Group

Swim­ming and water exer­cise are popular acti­vi­ties among all ages and at all skill levels. We also use swim­ming centres to relax – or to be active with our fami­lies. The varying usage scena­rios place demands on form and func­tion when deve­lo­pers, archi­tects and buil­ders have to jointly arrive at the perfect design.

In a report, the German Inter­na­tional Asso­cia­tion for Sports and Leisure Faci­li­ties (IAKS) NGO listed trends in future swim­ming centres. The 16 trends can be useful to keep in mind – right from the drawing board stage.

These trends cover a wide range of aspects that impact on archi­tec­ture – from econo­mics and digital features to new usage patterns.

Accessibility is not only about focusing on users with physical disabilities. Changes in demographics and ethnic diversity also place special demands on swimming centres.

Photos (3):
Kinzig­talbad Ortenau, © Olaf Wiechers

A lifelong healthy life­style

Exer­cise in water helps fulfil the desire to lead a healthy life at any stage of life. An incre­asing number of seniors are deman­ding good exer­cise pools. Since fewer parents are teaching their children to swim, there is also a need for teaching pools – ideally with an adjustable/movable floor.

Well­ness is gaining ground

The combi­na­tion of sport and rela­xa­tion has become more popular. It is ther­e­fore a good idea to comple­ment the classic compe­ti­tion and exer­cise pools with well­ness faci­li­ties such as spas, saunas, Turkish baths, treat­ment faci­li­ties and lounge zones.

Fun for children and fami­lies

Fami­lies with children are an important target group for swim­ming centres. It is ther­e­fore important to have faci­li­ties that support play and give children a good intro­duc­tion to the water.

Sustainability and carbon footprint also play a major role in the construction of swimming centres.

Photos (3):
Wasser­welt Rulan­tica, © Olaf Wiechers

Pools as places for socia­li­sing

Leisure acti­vi­ties are also a hub for socia­li­sing. It is important to encou­rage young people to meet at the swim­ming centres. And again, it is important to involve users in the design process.

Sustainable and healthy faci­li­ties

Sustaina­bi­lity and carbon foot­print also play a major role in the cons­truc­tion of swim­ming centres. Measures that save water, recover heat, harness solar energy and mini­mise waste must be in focus. Ideas about a healthy life­style also place demands on tech­nical condi­tions in rela­tion to things like water and air quality.

Safe and secure pools

The risk of ‘anti-social beha­viour’ may neces­si­tate video surveil­lance above and below the water, and increased use of secu­rity personnel at swim­ming centres.

A swimming centre can be combined with a sports hall, a gym or even a library.

Photos (3):
Hallenbad Gensingen, © Olaf Wiechers

Impro­ving econo­mics

Swim­ming centres should ideally be operated without incur­ring losses. A swim­ming centre can be combined with a sports hall, a gym or even – as seen in England – a library. Achieve econo­mies of scale by mana­ging indoor and outdoor faci­li­ties in the same region in a single unit.

Private sector focuses on profi­table cases

It can be diffi­cult for muni­ci­pa­li­ties to balance their budgets. Private players often invest in the most profi­table busi­ness cases, such as gyms and large well­ness centres. This can leave muni­ci­pa­li­ties with the less attrac­tive ones. When this happens, it is important to focus on the social rather than the economic bene­fits.

Digital trans­for­ma­tion

Digital features also have an impact on the archi­tec­ture of new swim­ming centres. The ability to track your perfor­mance in the water, water slides with virtual reality and cash-free payments are examples. In terms of the actual cons­truc­tion process, buil­ding infor­ma­tion model­ling (BIM) will become incre­asingly signi­fi­cant.

Good design is essential to ensuring a good user experience – so that visitors keep coming back.

Photos (3):
Therme Lindau, © Olaf Wiechers

Scar­city of space

Given the shortage of space in many cities, swim­ming centres need to serve multiple purposes. For example, an outdoor baths in summer could double as a skating rink in winter.

Fight for talent

When the economy is healthy, it can be diffi­cult to find enough skilled staff for swim­ming centres and other sports faci­li­ties. Internal trai­ning can be one way to attract and retain employees. Tech­no­lo­gical solu­tions may in some cases be able to replace employees.

Good design

As evidenced by the trends outlined above, desig­ning and buil­ding a new swim­ming centre is a complex task. But it is important to do this well. Good design is essen­tial to ensu­ring a good user expe­ri­ence – so that visi­tors keep coming back.