Winterbadeschiff

The Winterbadeschiff in Berlin is an architectural intervention that extends the successful concept of the open-air Badeschiff into the winter season, transforming a floating pool on the River Spree into an active wellness space throughout the year. During the colder months, the installation becomes a temporary spa featuring a sauna, a covered pool, a bar, and lounge areas, all enclosed within a translucent pneumatic membrane that allows natural light to enter while maintaining panoramic views of the city. At night, integrated lighting turns the structure into a glowing volume that appears to float above the water, creating an iconic and almost ethereal presence within the urban landscape.

The project is defined by a lightweight and efficient construction approach. It consists of three translucent longitudinal inflatable tubes resting on the river, offering a solution that is economical, rapidly assembled, and easily dismantled. By using standard components adapted in an intelligent way, the design demonstrates how architecture can achieve strong spatial and visual impact with minimal resources, avoiding heavy infrastructure or complex construction processes.

The enclosure is formed by a double-layer PVC membrane, optimizing thermal insulation while minimizing structural weight. Inside, the program is organized into three main zones: a lounge area, a sauna and massage deck, and a central swimming pool. Beyond its architectural qualities, Winterbadeschiff operates as a strategy of urban regeneration, reactivating a former inner-city wasteland in Berlin and transforming it into a vibrant space for leisure, wellness, and social interaction.