New momentum
The Hyparschale, a listed exhibition centre dating from 1969, is one of the most impressive landmarks in the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt: The shell roof construction features four double-curved concrete shells that cover an area of 48 x 48 metres without supports, with the pointed corners of the building soaring up to 16 metres like sails. The extraordinary construction was designed by engineer and building contractor Ulrich Müther, a pioneer of shell concrete construction. The concrete layer, which is only seven centimetres thick, was applied to the four wooden formworks using spray pumps in a torket process, in a single step, which required special skills on the part of the operator.
Since 1997, the hall had been abandoned and required extensive renovation due to corrosion of the reinforced concrete. gmp Architects from Berlin refurbished the building to make it fit for the future, increased the load-bearing capacity of the roof by using carbon fibre fabric and opened up the skylights running in a star shape between the shells. At the same time, cubes with gallery levels were inserted, connected by bridges, allowing the space to be experienced from different perspectives. A new glass façade replaces the previous industrial glazing and opens up new lines of sight into the city park.
The delicate character of the existing building was to be preserved despite the modernisation and repair measures, even if these required some bold interventions. ‘For any successful conversion, appreciation of what others have created is a key prerequisite,’ says Stephan Schütz, Executive Partner at gmp. It was therefore important to use products for the interiors that are both functional and aesthetic and designed to meet the structural requirements of a listed building. The newly created upper floor, with an area of 1,200 square metres, was fitted with “noraplan uni” by nora in grey.
The high-quality rubber flooring impressed both in terms of its technical advantages and its understated design: its simple elegance creates a uniform surface. ‘The entire upper area, like the hall floor, should appear to be made from a single mould and emphasise the architectural clarity of the room, which is why “noraplan uni” was laid without joints,’ says architect and project manager Ursula Köper from gmp Architekten. The flooring offers a dense, closed surface and does not need to be coated. It is also easy to clean and requires few chemicals. ‘Rubber is our first choice for elastic floor coverings, mainly because it requires so little maintenance,’ says Köper. Thanks to its high sound insulation, the floor contributes to a pleasant background noise level. Free of PVC, phthalate plasticisers and chlorinated polymers, and equipped with R9 slip resistance, it is also slip-resistant and low-emission. “noraplan uni” is also efficient from an economic point of view: ‘The rubber covering is significantly lighter and more cost-effective than exposed screed,’ says Ursula Köper from gmp Architects.
The building is characterised by an open-plan design concept with a square layout, strong lines and flowing transitions. At the same time, the nora floor covering meets the highest functional requirements: it is particularly durable and robust – properties that play a key role in public spaces. In the listed Hyparschale building, it complements the architectural features of the structure both visually and functionally and helps to make it a popular cultural meeting place for the city's residents once again. (am)
