Bergisch Gladbach Sports Complex

We completed the first sports complex with swimming pool in almost entirely from timber in German Bergisch Gladbach. It is a showcase of innovation, sustainability, and future-proof construction – delivered on budget, within just 13 months of construction time, and to the full satisfaction of both the municipality and the local pool operator.

Our 200th project In Germany

This sports complex marks a significant milestone: the 200th project in Germany. We are proud of this achievement – not just because of the number, but above all because this project perfectly reflects what we stand for as a construction partner: building smart, sustainably, and with a strong focus on the future. All of this was achieved in close cooperation with all stakeholders and within a tight schedule. It is hard to imagine a better way to celebrate such an anniversary.

A pioneer in timber construction

This project is the first swimming pool in Germany to be built almost entirely out of timber. The building uses 275 m³ of timber, which stores the same amount of CO₂ as 208.5 tonnes of greenhouse gases. This shows that building in a sustainable and climate-friendly way really works. By using timber instead of concrete or steel for the main structure (walls, roof, columns, and beams), the project prevented 250.5 tonnes of CO₂ from being released into the atmosphere. Remarkably, the timber used regrows in less than nine minutes – a powerful illustration of renewability.

Energy-efficient and smart

The complex has been designed with full energy awareness. The building’s energy system combines solar panels, a heat pump, and an efficient water heating network. Together, these technologies make sure that energy is used in the smartest possible way. All areas, including the sports hall, are mechanically ventilated with heat recovery, and underfloor heating has been installed throughout the building.

The pool is equipped with a high-standard water treatment system that makes it possible to clean and reuse the pool water. Underground tanks also collect rainwater and slowly release it into the canal, helping to prevent flooding. This prevents peak loads on the sewer system and contributes to climate adaptation.

Functional, accessible and future-oriented

The swimming pool features an officially certified competition pool with a modern digital timing system. The movable floor, spanning the full 25-metre length (two lanes wide), provides maximum flexibility for different user groups.

Accessibility has also been a key focus: the complex is fully equipped for visitors with disabilities, including tactile information panels and a removable slide specially designed for wheelchair users.

More than just a swimming pool
In addition to the competition pool, the sports complex also includes a sports hall. This is equipped with electrically adjustable basketball hoops and has a clear height of 5.5 metres, making it suitable for both training sessions and recreational use.

The hall is almost entirely finished in wood, with wooden ceilings, beams and walls, creating a warm and natural atmosphere. The sports hall is fitted with underfloor heating and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery – a conscious choice, as buildings of this type often rely solely on openable windows. This makes the hall both more energy-efficient and more comfortable for its users.

Digital precision

The entire design and construction process was digitally prepared and coordinated using BIM. This ensured not only a high level of architectural precision, but also earned the project a nomination for “Best BIM Project” in the sustainability category by BIM Championships, an annual German competition in which innovative construction projects are evaluated on their use of BIM.

A blueprint for future projects

With green roofs across all buildings, a stainless-steel pool basin offering a higher reuse potential than traditional concrete pools, and a streamlined construction period of just 13 months, this project serves as an inspiring example for other municipalities. It shows that sustainability, speed, and quality can go hand in hand – provided the right design choices and partners are selected from the very beginning.

Client
Municipality Bergisch Gladbach
Architect
POS4 Architekten

More details

Gert-Jan Peeters
Director

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