New tensile sunshade for the historic outdoor pool in Solothurn
Project overview
The public outdoor swimming pool in Solothurn, originally built in 1926/27 and expanded in the 1960s, is a cherished local institution. After Expo.02, a tensile sunshade used during the exhibition was repurposed and installed at the pool’s playground. Though visually impressive, the structure was only designed for temporary use and lacked snow load capacity, requiring additional winter bracing. When the city requested a repair following damage to the membrane, detailed analysis revealed that a refurbishment was no longer feasible due to age-related degradation, structural slackening, and non-repairable component damage. A complete redesign was necessary.
Details
As no structural documentation was available, we initiated the project with a comprehensive assessment of the existing structure, including reverse engineering. Special attention was given to preserving the iconic form while upgrading all essential components to meet today’s structural and safety standards. This required integrating modern detailing and strengthening existing elements. Due to its geometry and exposure, the structure presented complex challenges in terms of form-finding, load-bearing analysis, and adaptation to the irregular existing supports. The winter bracing system had to be retained to maintain structural safety year-round.
Specifications
Diagonal dimensions | 19.1 ⋅ 18.3 m |
Maximum height | 7.9 m |
Membrane surface | 126.6 m2 |
Date | 2025 |
Status of the project | Completed |
Tools used | Tachymeter, RFEM, Rhino 3D, Grasshopper 3D |
My role
I was responsible for clarifying technical requirements with the client, conducting the reverse engineering process, performing comparative structural analysis between the old and new membrane systems based on differing codes, and drafting the full static report. I developed the engineering solution, carried out the site survey using a total station, and created detailed design and fabrication drawings for the membrane, steel components, and cables. I also managed material procurement, provided instructions to production teams, supported the installation process, and oversaw the project's successful delivery.
My sketches
Results
The rebuilt sunshade successfully restored the character of the original membrane while significantly improving its structural integrity, longevity, and safety. The result is a functional and visually harmonious solution that respects the site's history and ensures user comfort for years to come.
Note
This project was completed during my time at Bieri Tenta AG, the company responsible for its execution. The insights and results presented here are based on my professional experience in the planning and realization of textile architecture as part of my role at Bieri Tenta AG.