Rowing through urban nature

In order to keep the negative effects on the sensitive river bank at a minimum, the architects divided the construction program into four distinct elements. The pier is positioned at the bend of the river; the multi-purpose room hovers above the water parallel to the river edge; the changing rooms with the associated functional rooms sit along the edge of the riverbank; and the boat sheds, broken down into three elements, are inserted between the trees.

The dynamic, wedge-shaped composition made up of the aforementioned elements protrudes into the river bend. On the land side, the various components remain largely hidden behind the trees. The additional boat storage shelves are also placed between the trees and since these structures only have a roof covering and no walls, they appear to almost disappear into the surrounding nature. Towards the water, a flat wooden ramp connects the boat moorings with the pier.

The changing rooms, which are built on an existing foundation directly at the water’s edge, form a closed block between water and land and are integrated into their surroundings with a folded roof profile. Separated from the changing rooms by a corridor, the activity room floats above the water. It is completely transparent on three sides and its modular windows can be folded open. The symmetrically flat sloping roof profile pitched along the long centre axis is reinforced in the articulation of wood-panelled ceiling, giving the interior an additional dynamic. The roof is supported by I-beams that rest on steel H-section frames in the gable walls.

The wood for the cladding, ceilings and floor coverings, white painted steel for the construction, glass and zinc sheet for the roof surfaces, present a palette of materials that fit harmoniously into the natural environment. The structural design is simple and straightforward and connects all components aesthetically. Skylights in the changing rooms as well as in the transparent activity room support an atmospheric spatial effect, which also continues over the pier and the platforms.

The division of the building volume into separate components allowed a differentiated organisation of the functions, for which the architects then formulated their own conditions. This created a site-specific architecture that harnesses the available site conditions and combines them with a contemporary aesthetic. Here the sporting activity on the water becomes an experience that leaves a refreshing note at the beginning and at the end of the training session.