Redevelopment of one of Germany's largest indoor swimming pools
Alsterschwimmhalle in Hamburg reopened on November 24, 2023. The indoor pool, designed by architects Horst Niessen, Rolf Störmer, Walter Neuhäusser and engineer Jörg Schlaich, is an outstanding example of Hamburg's post-war architecture. At the time, the concrete sled roof, consisting of two paraboidal slopes raised by three supports, reminded Hamburgers of the Sydney Opera House and has since been fondly referred to as the floating opera house - Schwimmoper. The architects {tag:pracownie} retained the spectacular roof, the huge interior with a 50-meter pool and the facade of the edifice. The rest, however, was redesigned to meet modern needs.
Alsterschwimmhalle, built for swimming competitions, has over time become a recreational pool for all Hamburgers. Despite having 400,000 visitors in 2014, demolition of the pool in favor of a new, modern facility was considered for financial reasons. In cooperation with engineers from the schlaich bergermann partner (sbp) group , {tag:pracownie} conducted an analysis of possible redevelopment options, leading to the decision to renovate the building. A key element in this decision was the fact that the pool's roof, unique in its design, was listed as a historic landmark. Measuring just 8 centimeters thick, the 4,500-foot roof rises to a height of 24 meters, supported by three diagonal supports. Two of the three support points are connected by a beam beneath the pool. Spanning 96 meters, the roof is still one of the largest of its kind in the world.
Photo of the pre-war pool
© Bäderland Hamburg
more water
The 50-meter pool, the 10-meter jump tower and the so-called fitness cube on the east side have undergone cosmetic changes. Audience seating was removed to make room for a new diving pool. The old annex was replaced with a building housing a new 25-meter swimming pool, a training pool, as well as locker rooms, fitness classrooms and saunas. The pool area has been increased by a quarter; just over half of the total indoor area has been remodeled. A new courtyard was created in front of the main entrance. A newly created pedestrian walkway, directing from east to west, connects the residential neighborhood in which the facility is located with the city center.
View of the historic roof
© Bäderland Hamburg
synthesis of old and new
The aluminum lattice columns of the glass façade on the original facade are also intact. The {tag:pracownie}, sbp and Implenia Fassadentechnik also developed an innovative telescopic piston support system, which complies with the German building code, to create a flexible connection between the facade and the roof; this makes it possible to compensate for the oscillating movements of the roof shell.
Exterior view
Marcus Bredt © gmp
Conservators have restored some of the building's elements, returning them to their original face concrete appearance or original colors. Structural elements, such as the historic acoustic panels, were reinstalled. The architectural identity of the indoor pool was protected. Now Hamburg residents can enjoy water sports under the protection of a pre-war monument.
The interior of the pool after the renovation
Marcus Bredt © gmp
compiled by Ania Kociucka
[based on description by gmp office].
