Pavilion with food service, changing rooms, an information desk, and restrooms © Gregor Szielasko*
Natural swimming pool Winsen
New construction of an ecological natural pool
Winsen
2020–2025
LP 1–8
CO₂-neutral natural swimming pool
The natural swimming pool in Eckermannpark in Winsen (Luhe) marks a milestone in sustainable architecture: it is Europe’s first carbon-neutral natural swimming pool. In time for the 2025 swimming season, a facility opened that is fully committed to ecological innovation—featuring biological water treatment, energy self-sufficiency, and sustainable timber construction.
The project is a collaborative effort: The idea emerged from a broad-based public participation process in which many young people were also actively involved. The facility is operated by Stadtwerke Winsen, which supported the implementation with its experience in recreational pool operations. We handled the planning of the functional buildings, while the design and technical implementation of the pool were managed by the firm Polyplan Kreikenbaum.
Terrain and water treatment
The bathing area covers 19,500 m², including 3,600 m² of water. The natural pool blends naturally into its surroundings, with an organic pool that is not connected to the Luhe, but to the pond arch. The water is treated purely biologically using plant filters, without any chemical additives. Playgrounds, sunbathing lawns, picnic areas, a water playground, boules lanes and a beach volleyball court complete the leisure facilities.
The swimming pool designed by Polyplan Kreikenbaum offers sandy beaches, shallow water zones, a slide, a climbing wall and five 25-meter lanes. The water is treated biologically using Neptune filters and phosphate absorbers in accordance with FLL guidelines. After purification in planted substrate filters, the water is returned to bathing water quality.
Wooden pavilions and functional buildings
The bathing area is complemented by two functional buildings. A small pavilion for pool supervision on the west bank offers 40 m² of space for pool supervision and a first-aid room. The second, larger building with 400 m² accommodates sanitary facilities, changing rooms, the info point and a restaurant that can be used all year round. Both buildings are constructed in timber according to our designs and integrate harmoniously into the landscape.
Building concept: circular construction and sustainable materials
The single-storey pavilion building appears delicate and light thanks to its round shape. It rests on a concrete slab and is accessed barrier-free via ramps. The roof, supported by galvanized steel columns, is made of glulam and stacked planks and is extensively greened. A photovoltaic system on the roof supplies the natural pool with electricity.
Regenerative energy concept
The natural pool is operated completely climate-neutrally. A photovoltaic system with 66.24 kWp supplies electricity, and heat is generated by a water/water heat pump. In summer, the heat is obtained from absorber panels on the roof, in winter from the pool water. The energy concept also provides for the retrofitting of a small wind turbine. Rainwater is fed into the pond arch, which complements the overall ecological concept.
Further information
* The images have been digitally enhanced (using AI) to reduce visual distractions.
