Main Bad Bornheim

David Matthiessen

• Architects

4a Architekten build new sports and adventure pool with sauna area in Frankfurt

The Main Bad in Frankfurt-Bornheim is a pioneering leisure and sports pool for families as well as school and club sports. The new building replaces the previous panoramic baths on the Bornheimer Hang, and with its clearly-defined architecture, well thought-out functionality and excellent welcoming qualities it is compelling. It is also extremely resource-efficient and economical to operate.

Acting as general planners, 4a Architekten have developed in close proximity to the ice rink a three-storey building that fits compactly into the existing urban structure and makes efficient use of the available space. The clear, reduced cubature minimises the building shell in relation to the volume and thus contributes significantly to reducing heat loss. Openings and façade surfaces are functionally well-founded and have been optimised in terms of the use of daylight, energy efficiency and thermal performance. Skylights bring natural light deep inside the building, so improving the quality of the environment and reducing the need for artificial lighting; at the same time, they enable passive solar energy gains and support a sustainable energy concept. In terms of design, sinuous curves and a recess in the façade in the entrance area lend dynamism to the basic triangular form. The fresh colour scheme of the slatted cladding on the ground and upper floors creates a lively atmosphere while emphasising the entrance situation.

photo_credit David Matthiessen — David Matthiessen

A basement was not added to Main Bad because of the difficult ground conditions – a rather unusual approach both in terms of design and of functionality: the technical rooms are located on the ground floor while the swimming hall with its generous glazing is located on the first floor. This location offers bathers an unimpeded view of the countryside and ensures a light-flooded bathing experience with panoramic qualities.

A variety of aquatic worlds for all ages The new Main Bad offers around 900 square metres of water space for leisure, sport and recreation. The recreational bathing hall offers numerous attractions: an adventure pool with a water mushroom and hot whirlpool as well as a toddlers' area with a design reminiscent of a jungle landscape, the numerous attractions of which invite children to play. Additional bathing fun is provided with a wide wave slide and – with an eye to energy efficiency – an entirely indoor tube slide. One more highlight are the sliding elements of the large glass façade which when opened allow the outdoor space to be integrated directly into the bathing experience.

Minimalist, functional, clear – the sports area at Main Bad The sports bathing hall has a 25-metre pool with six lanes, one-metre and three-metre diving boards, and a partially variable depth that can be set by means of a lifting floor, making it suitable for recreational swimmers, school classes and club sports alike. The offering is rounded off by a separate learners’ pool with wide access steps. The design of the hall is reduced to the essentials, i.e. clear forms, a restrained material concept and simple blue tones, creating a calm yet concentrated atmosphere. Large windowed surfaces open up views into the natural surroundings. Benches along the walls invite you to linger and observe. Floor-to-ceiling glazing separates the adventure and sports pool hall in a visually transparent yet acoustically effective way, enabling concentrated swimming and undisturbed learning.

Thoughtfully designed – the sauna area

The spacious sauna area with five different saunas is located on the upper floor: a sanarium, two indoor and outdoor Finnish saunas, a relaxation sauna and a steam bath. An atrium with greenery on the walls provides a natural atmosphere, daylight and a high quality of stay. Relaxation and fireplace zones, a catering area and an outdoor area featuring a plunge pool, cold showers and a sun terrace add to the variety on offer. There is also another relaxation room on the top floor with a view of the surroundings.

Minimalist, vividly coloured, creating an identity

The design is characterised in the use of clear, minimalist forms. Materials such as exposed concrete and wood were deliberately avoided both inside and out. Tiles, plastered surfaces and acoustically effective surfaces dominate instead, these not only having a calming effect in their design, but also being particularly easy to clean and maintain. The colour concept relies on strong shades of blue, green and yellow to create a lively atmosphere. The façade has a differentiated appearance: The plant-covered base storey is followed by a perforated aluminium shaft with coloured metal slats and glazed elements. Here too, a calm and structured material and colour concept dominates.

Sustainability as a principle

The Main Bad is impressive not only architecturally but also ecologically. The compact, three-storey cubature contributes to the energy efficiency of the building, as it reduces the building shell in relation to the volume, thereby minimising heat loss. A comprehensive energy concept ensures resource-conserving and economical operation. 450 photovoltaic modules on the roof generate up to 150,000 kWh of electricity per year. This is supplemented by a modern combined heat and power plant, systems for heat recovery from ventilation and pool water technology, and the possibility of using waste heat from the neighbouring ice rink, for which the necessary technical preparations have already been implemented.

To reduce the consumption of fresh water, rainwater that has been collected is used for cleaning and watering the outdoor facilities. An integrated rainwater retention system also protects the public sewer network in the event of heavy rainfall. Lighting is provided almost exclusively by energy-efficient LEDs, which minimise maintenance intervals and guarantee a long service life.