New benches and lifeguard terrace at the outdoor pool in Redwitz an der Rodach (Germany)
Eye-catching benches – sharing information at the poolside
In the newly renovated outdoor pool in Redwitz a. d. Rodach, seating furniture featuring the versatile "Constructive 65" WPC profile invites visitors to relax – and, of course, to chat!
In the 2025 swimming season, the outdoor pool in Redwitz a. d. Rodach celebrated its 50th anniversary. Preceding this was a comprehensive renovation that brought the ageing outdoor pool up to date both technically and aesthetically, while simultaneously preserving its characteristic atmosphere. With an investment volume of approximately € 2.5 million, the municipality of Redwitz a. d. Rodach implemented a comprehensive modernisation concept planned by the architectural firm Lauer + Lebok Architekten PartGmbB based in Lichtenfels. The construction project was funded with € 580,000 through Bayerisches Sonderprogramm Schwimmbadförderung (SPSF).
Following initial renovation measures in 2022 and 2023, which included replacing the children's pool with a stainless steel one and installing a solar absorber system for energy-efficient water heating, the second and much larger construction phase began at the end of the 2024 swimming season. This included the centrepiece of the facility, the 50-metre swimmer's pool, being extensively renovated. Due to its size, it is exceptional in the region and is an essential part of the summer bathing and swimming season for many competitive swimmers, school groups, and recreational swimmers. In addition to the technical modernisation, the outdoor pool was made barrier-free, the poolside area was redesigned, green spaces were added, and the entire outdoor area was visually enhanced.
High-quality WPC seating furniture
Part of the redesign was the installation of functional seating with a high-quality design around the swimmer's pool. The municipality decided to use the WPC profile "Constructive 65" by Naturinform. The decision-makers were won over by the solid construction profile's high dimensional stability, its tactile appeal, and the fact that it is both low-maintenance and highly durable. The profile is available in the colours Black brown, Grey, and Amber brown. For the Redwitz project, the special colour Oak brown was chosen, which blends harmoniously into the outdoor pool's surroundings.
From vision to reality: "Constructive 65" benches
For cost reasons, standard U-shaped concrete blocks were initially planned for the seating areas. However, during the implementation phase, Mayor Jürgen Gäbelein and his team decided to complement the coarse concrete look with a high-quality, more comfortable surface. As the municipality was already in contact with Naturinform regarding the decking boards for the new lifeguard terrace, it was a logical step to also equip the benches with WPC profiles from the local company. As a result, five double benches surrounding the swimming pool were fitted with "Constructive 65" profiles for both the seating and backrest surfaces.
Precise craftsmanship by the municipality and local businesses
The stainless steel bracket structures for the seating and backrest surfaces were supplied by Schlosserei Thomas Limmer from Burgkunstadt. The benches were then installed by the municipality's works yard. The stainless steel brackets were mounted on one row of eight concrete U-blocks, respectively, followed by three rows of six bench profiles, which were screwed in from underneath so as to be invisible. The backrests were also fixed to stainless steel brackets, with four profiles being screwed in from the rear. The result is robust, weather-resistant, and at the same time attractive seating that contributes to the inviting overall appearance of the modernised outdoor pool. Between each bench with a backrest, an additional storage surface was implemented that connects the benches and is very popular with the bathers.
Systematic design: seating niches and raised beds
New seating areas were also created along the enclosure of the swimming pool cover. The previously quite bulky concrete wall was visually enhanced by the municipal works yard team through the installation of planted raised beds and integrated seating niches. WPC profiles from the "Constructive 65" series in Oak brown were used here as well. The seating was fixed at intervals of approximately one metre using steel brackets and a bolted substructure, resulting in a stable and aesthetically pleasing seating solution.
Lifeguard terrace with "Exclusive 162"
The new lifeguard station was also equipped with a terrace for a better view and overview of the swimming areas, which was surfaced with "Exclusive" series WPC decking boards by Naturinform in Oak brown. The wood composite material WPC (Wood Polymer Composite) offers high material stability and is maintenance-free – and it was laid by the outdoor pool’s lifeguards themselves! Leveraging their technical skills, they installed the boards along with the matching substructure from the Naturinform range themselves within a single day. In doing so, the municipal employees set an example of initiative and cost-efficient implementation, while maintaining high quality standards.
Low-maintenance, functional, and durable
Mayor Jürgen Gäbelein expressed great satisfaction with the results of the renovation: "The modernisation has again significantly increased the appeal of our pool, and the new seating areas have certainly played their part in this. Above all, they encourage social interaction between pool visitors of all ages, who enjoy meeting there for a chat. To find a free spot there, you usually need to arrive early." The persons in charge are also confident when it comes to care and maintenance, said Jürgen Gäbelein: “After one year in use, and even though the benches were not stored indoors or covered over the winter, a quick blast with a high-pressure cleaner was enough to remove the winter dirt and some verdigris.”
Technical features and added value in municipal use
The profile, measuring approximately 65 mm in width and 40 mm in height, offers maximum dimensional stability and resistance. Thanks to its smooth, unembossed surface, which highlights the modern appearance, the profile is particularly easy to maintain. Dirt can be removed quickly and efficiently with a high-pressure cleaner – an advantage that saves time and resources in the daily operation of municipal facilities. The option to dispose of products free of charge through Naturinform’s own recycling system at the end of their service life also reduces the burden on municipalities.
In terms of design, "Constructive 65" impresses with its clear lines and a harmonious five-millimetre edge radius. The profile can be used universally for everything from park benches and dustbin screens to raised beds and enclosures. It is also suitable as a structural WPC profile for privacy screens or as vertical shading for buildings. Practical processing allows for stable, functional, and at the same time aesthetic solutions without the need for complex fastening systems. Under normal load conditions, a clear width of up to 1.4 metres can be achieved between the supports, providing a high degree of design freedom – particularly for self-supporting bench constructions like the ones in Redwitz.
Conclusion: durable urban furniture with added value
The realisation of the project in the Redwitz outdoor pool is an example of how thoughtful material choice, careful planning, and internal hands-on approaches can make a municipal construction project convincing – not only technically and functionally, but also in terms of design. Thanks to the new seating areas and the lifeguard terrace, the outdoor pool has gained not only in comfort but also in the quality of stay. The project clearly demonstrates how WPC products by Naturinform help municipal landscape designers bridge the gap between durability, sustainability, and modern aesthetics.
Pia Hobeck, Managing Director at Naturinform, concluded:
"With "Constructive 65", we offer municipalities, planners, and contractors a profile characterised by durability, dimensional stability, and ease of maintenance. The example in Redwitz impressively demonstrates how the WPC material can be used in modern urban design to achieve both high-quality aesthetics and resource efficiency. We are delighted when this results in spaces where people truly enjoy spending time."
