In the early 1960s, architect Manfred Lehmbruck created a masterpiece of modernist design: a transparent swimming hall with a gently curving reinforced concrete roof, supported by slender steel columns and defined by striking angled glass facades. The glazing surfaces, painted by artist HAP Grieshaber, remain a stunning visual element. Added to Stuttgart's register of cultural monuments in 2000, the building underwent comprehensive renovation beginning in 2014. The design consortium—pbr architects and engineers working with HSP Hoppe Sommer Planung—faced a fundamental challenge: how to preserve this architecturally significant structure while making it fully functional for today's needs.

Following extensive structural analysis and in close coordination with the State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments, the renovation strategy addressed three key priorities: improving energy performance, resolving construction defects, and upgrading technical systems. The restoration of HAP Grieshaber's custom-painted insulated glass panels proved particularly demanding. The double glazing had suffered severe deterioration from corrosion, necessitating consultation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research to develop a specialized restoration approach. The solution required a complete replacement of the aluminum framework, with new trapezoidal profiles carefully matched to the delicate proportions of the original design. The sail-like prestressed concrete roof structure—itself innovative for its era—showed significant damage and required extensive remediation to prevent further chloride deterioration. The renovation included converting the original cold roof to an insulated warm roof system that meets current energy standards, all while preserving the refined roof edge that defines the hall's distinctive silhouette.

Spotlights mounted on the steel supports, featuring predominantly indirect illumination, honor Lehmbruck's original lighting design and maintain the visual illusion of the roof floating above the space. Sand-colored mosaic tiles and teak paneling above the subtly sloping grandstand define the hall's distinctive character. Each tile was custom-cut to its precise dimensions and carefully placed. The service counter in the club room—an important design feature—was restored to its original condition, its grey Resopal surface providing striking contrast against the original wooden cladding. To ensure full accessibility, an elevator was introduced between levels, while a platform lift now bridges the height difference between the shower area and pool deck. Accessibility enhancements also include a wayfinding system for the visually impaired and a mobile pool hoist.

www.pbr.de
www.hoppe-sommer-planung.de

Photography Credits:

Dietmar Strauß
www.dietmar-strauss.de

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 02|20)