Sustainable Outdoor Pool

In Biberach an der Riß, there is a new outdoor pool featuring a recreational pool, a lap pool, and a racing slide. The new replacement facility incorporates distinctive design elements from the historic pool dating back to the 1960s and demonstrates how resource conservation can be achieved in swimming pool construction. The outdoor pool and the existing indoor pool will be used as a combined facility in the future.

For over 70 years, the outdoor pool—which borders directly on a nature reserve—has been one of Biberach’s most important recreational facilities. Following a renovation in the 1990s, we began construction of a replacement facility and the redesign of the 8,700 m² site in January 2023 on behalf of Stadtwerke Biberach. The goal was to move the outdoor pool closer to the existing indoor pool, thereby further developing and strengthening the combined pool facility. Our design combines defining elements of the historic pool—the compact, rectangular pool layout and the spacious sunbathing areas—with a sustainable overall concept.

The design concept is based on a colonnade serving as a linear access axis to which all existing and new functions are connected. This results in short walking distances, clear wayfinding, and efficient use of space. The entrance area has been sustainably upgraded: a landscaped forecourt with seating, plantings, and bicycle parking improves the microclimate and enhances the quality of the space. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic have been clearly separated, creating a safe and well-organized arrival area.

The centerpiece of the new outdoor pool: a wooden pavilion. The structure is built primarily from regional wood: while larch dominates the facades and partition walls, Douglas fir was used for the columns and beams. All facilities for swimmers, clubs, and staff have been brought together under one roof. A service building and a lounge and activity area were also arranged along the access axis. Shaded seating areas with views of the pools and sunbathing lawns provide space for relaxation, dining, exercise, and recreation. The structures are nestled within a tree-lined sunbathing lawn and blend naturally into the landscape.

Instead of the previous free-form design, the two new pools are modeled after the historic rectangular shape. While the leisure pool measures 887 m2, the lap pool offers 363 m2 of space. Connected to the leisure pool is a 70-meter-long racing slide with three lanes and digital timing.

A key component of the sustainable concept is the outdoor pool’s nearly self-sufficient energy supply. An open-space photovoltaic system with a capacity of approximately 160 kWp covers a large portion of the outdoor pool’s electricity needs in the summer and helps power the indoor pool in the winter. The pool water is heated using solar collector panels on the roof. In addition, well water is treated and used for pool operations. A new retention basin was integrated as a climate adaptation measure.

Sustainability was also consistently applied in the handling of existing materials: For example, the existing stainless-steel basin was dismantled and the material reused elsewhere instead of being disposed of. High-quality, durable, and low-maintenance stainless-steel basins, as well as robust surfaces, further contribute to long-term economical and environmentally friendly operation. Another notable feature is certainly that the pool was completed not only on time and without delays, but also at a cost significantly below the budgeted amount.

Project information

Project name: Freibad Biberach

Location: Biberach an der Riß

Project type: Replacement Construction

Completion: 2025

Client: Stadtwerke Biberach

Collaboration: Wenzel + Wenzel / gla gessweinlandschaftsarchitekten / wh-p GmbH Beratende Ingenieure, Möller + Meyer GmbH Gotha, Geyer & Fels Ingenieurbüro / EGS-plan / Corall Ingenieure GmbH

Team: Onur Canvarol, Bernhard Heinnickel, Claudia Maurer, Tamer Nasifoglu (Projektleitung), Achim Rosch, Matthias Wachter

Award: 2027 DAM Award Nomination

Images: Zooey Braun