Badeanstalt Steinrad Herrliberg

The Badeanstalt Steinrad in Herrliberg lies directly on Lake Zurich, sheltered by the Seestrasse at its back. With the planned renovation and resizing of this cantonal road, the opportunity arises to reorganize and expand the bathing facility. The aim of the project is to preserve and enhance the site-specific qualities and landscape elements, while introducing subtle interventions that integrate harmoniously into the existing surroundings. A long natural stone wall is created as a structural boundary along the road. This wall both forms the rear edge of the Badeanstalt and serves in the north as a connecting point for the new kiosk and changing room building. The new structure faces the wall and is clearly set back from the lakefront, giving the facility a clearly defined framework and replacing the temporary kiosk on the parking lot with a permanent solution. This strengthens the role of the Badeanstalt as a popular, lively venue and secures its future through a durable architectural expression.

The new kiosk and changing room building deliberately depart from the previous lightweight construction. Instead, it is designed as a prefabricated solid timber structure. This approach serves several purposes: the regular structure distributes loads evenly across the ground, protecting the reclaimed concession land; prefabrication minimizes the time required on site, a crucial factor given the sensitive location directly on the lake; and the raised floor level—elevated by nearly 70 centimeters—ensures flood protection even during periods of high water.

Solid timber also brings distinct building-physics advantages. Unlike lighter constructions, their greater mass ensures better thermal lag under changing weather conditions, creating a more pleasant indoor climate. At the same time, the increased timber content contributes positively to the CO₂ balance. The client places great importance on sourcing timber from the region, thereby reducing transport distances and energy consumption.

The building’s structural system is straightforward and efficient: two parallel load-bearing walls support the roof beams, which are arranged at regular intervals across them. The roof plate ties the beams together into a braced whole. Within this volume are the men’s and women’s changing rooms, a small kiosk serving food and drinks, and public toilet facilities located on the street side, which can be used year-round. The rest of the building is unheated and designed for the bathing season from March to October.

Special attention is given to materiality and durability. The solid timber walls are pre-weathered to encourage regular drying cycles. A projecting roof effectively shields the façades from the elements, while the open gaps between the roof beams allow natural ventilation of the interior spaces. Technical installations are limited to the essentials, left visible, and always remain easily accessible. The lightweight roof cladding minimizes load, while rainwater is collected and directed into the stormwater system.

The choice of materials reflects an ethos of simplicity and authenticity. Timber, concrete, and stone are left untreated and combined in a balanced way. These materials age gracefully, developing a patina over time that resonates with the historic architectural traces of the area. In doing so, the Badeanstalt not only retains its functionality but also gains an atmospheric quality that carries its history forward while pointing toward the future.

Through this careful renewal and replacement building, the Badeanstalt Steinrad is reinforced: as a place of retreat, of community, and as part of the collective memory on the shores of Lake Zurich.

Client: Private

Planning: Rossetti+Wyss Architekten, Raderschall Partner AG, Flückiger Bosshard AG, Erne Holzbau AG, Bünder Hydroplan AG, Jäckli Geologie AG

Exterior visualizations: © Nightnurse Images AG

Competition: 2021, 1. Prize