Global civil architecture firm gmp Architects recently completed an innovative recreation complex named Sportbad am Rabet in Leipzig, Germany.

The complex features a modular design, Passive House levels of energy efficiency, and a focus on accessibility for users with a broad range of physical abilities.

The sports pool’s facade combines light-colored concrete with a transparent base zone. The continuous floor-to-ceiling allows abundant natural light to enter the interior.

On the inside, glass and concrete are also the defining features. Turquoise wall tiles pick up and continue the horizontal line of the fenestration. High ceilings distinguish the different swimming areas, which include a six-lane competition pool, a teaching pool, and a children’s pool. Large skylights bring in additional daylight to brighten up the water surfaces.

The design incorporates Passive House standards, featuring an extensively greened retention roof that also includes a wildflower meadow for insects. Systems for solar thermal energy, photovoltaics, and water treatment, which facilitate the reuse of pool water, also contribute to energy efficiency.

The facility also incorporates key accessible design elements including full implementation exceeding national standards for accessibility and barrier-free construction, high-contrast design, which improves visibility and orientation for people with visual impairments, a tactile guidance system on the floor, leading from the tram stop through the foyer and changing rooms to the swimming pool, 3D pictograms to indicate barrier-free facilities, changing rooms with folding beds for wheelchair users, separate accessible shower facilities, lockers for prosthetics, and locker systems specially designed for wheelchair users with fold-down inner compartments.