  A new class of solutions to Einstein's classical field equations of general
relativity is presented. The solutions describe a non-rotating, spherically
symmetric, compact self gravitating object, residing in a static electro-vacuum
space time.
  The solutions generally have an interior non-zero matter-distribution. A wide
class of interior solutions can be constructed for any specific set of exterior
parameters (mass, charge). The original Schwarzschild and Reissner-Nordstroem
solutions constitute special cases within the variety of interior solutions.
  An outstanding feature of the new solutions is a non-continuous boundary of
the matter-distribution, accompanied by a two dimensional membrane at the
boundary. The membrane consists of an infinitesimally thin spherical shell of
tangential pressure (surface tension/stress). The interior matter state
generally has a locally anisotropic pressure.
  A general procedure for generating the new solutions is given. A few
solutions are derived and discussed briefly. In order to identify the
physically most promising solutions, a selection principle is formulated, based
on the holographic principle. One solution of particular interest emerges. It
is characterized by the property, that the "stress-energy content" of the
membrane is equal to the gravitating mass of the object.
