An industrial monument in motion
PRESERVING THE EXISTING STRUCTURE, REIMAGINING THE ROOF
Where skateboards now roll, BMX bikes jump over ramps and families linger on the steps of the café,
there once stood a long-derelict industrial hall. The former harrow factory in west Munich, built in 1909–1910, could,
like many historic commercial buildings, have been lost. Instead, it became the starting point for an extraordinary transformation:
The listed building has been transformed into an action sports centre that serves as both a sports facility and a neighbourhood meeting place.
At the heart of the project is the question of how existing building fabric can be redeveloped for new uses.
Together with the City of Munich, the architects at Behnisch Architekten have created a space that preserves the historic fabric,
promotes social participation and, at the same time, offers new solutions to the challenges of renovating existing buildings.
Thinking ahead about the portfolio
rather than building from scratch
The former factory building has had an eventful history. After serving various commercial purposes, the building stood empty for many years. However, with the growing demand for all-weather facilities for action sports, the site once again came to the fore. Rather than constructing a new building, the city made a conscious decision to repurpose the existing Eggenfabrik site. Existing load-bearing structures, walls and building components were largely retained and integrated into the new use. According to Andrada Bauer, the existing building stock was seen as a valuable foundation for the project’s further development.
Architecture for Inclusion
A place where everyone feels welcome
From the outset, the Action Sports Centre was intended to be an inclusive space for everyone. Working alongside future users, the City of Munich developed a spatial plan that goes far beyond the requirements of a traditional sports hall. Tactile wayfinding systems, high-contrast surfaces, accessible routes and specially tailored technical solutions ensure that the facility can also be used by people with visual, hearing or mobility impairments. “The most important thing about this place is that everyone feels welcome – regardless of age, origin or social background,” says Andrada Bauer.
The roof as the centrepiece
timber, glass, photovoltaic panels + RHEINZINK
Hardly any other component has shaped the transformation of the former factory hall as much as the new roof. A contemporary roofscape made of timber, glass, photovoltaic panels and RHEINZINK titanium-zinc has been created above the historic steel structure. A newly developed skylight brings daylight deep into the hall, improves the lighting of the sports areas and, at the same time, provides smoke extraction and natural ventilation. Photovoltaic modules integrated into the glazing generate solar power whilst also acting as a shading system.
Rheinzink blends the traditional with the modern
Heritage conservation. Design. Technical precision.
In addition to the generous glass skylight, the new roofscape is characterised by a roof cladding made of RHEINZINK-prePATINA in slate grey. The choice of material was a deliberate one. On the one hand, the pre-weathered surface blends harmoniously with the building’s industrial character. On the other hand, the material meets the technical requirements of the listed barrel-vaulted roof. The roof surfaces have varying pitches ranging from 13 to 60 degrees. “With the double standing seam cladding, we were able to accommodate the different roof pitches without any problems,” explains Andrada Bauer. “At the same time, the linear pattern gives the roof a clear structure and a calm appearance.” The fine standing seams emphasise the shape of the roof and create a precise, handcrafted surface that carries forward the building’s industrial character in a contemporary way.
CHOICE OF MATERIALS AND DEMOLITION
For sustainable architecture
It was important to the architect to take into account the building’s long-term use, as well as possible future demolition and reuse scenarios, when selecting materials. RHEINZINK-prePATINA in slate grey was used for the roof surfaces. RHEINZINK titanium zinc can be sorted by type at the end of its useful life and returned to the material cycle.
A place with a future
Circularity. Conservation. Identity.
The Action Sports Centre demonstrates the potential that lies in the further development of existing buildings. Today, it is a meeting place for children, young people, sports enthusiasts, families and local residents. The former industrial hall has once again become part of urban life and retains its original character whilst serving a new purpose. “Circularity, preservation of existing structures and identity – these are the three concepts that, for me, define this project,” summarises Andrada Bauer.
The Material.
prePATINA graphite-grey is a titanium-zinc material with a surface that has been pre-weathered at the factory. The characteristic slate-grey colour gives roofs and façades a timeless appearance and can be integrated into both modern and historic architectural designs. The pre-weathered surface ensures a uniform appearance right from the start. When exposed to natural weathering, the material develops a patina which contributes to the surface’s durability. Thanks to its good formability, prePATINA graphite-grey is also suitable for complex roof geometries and architectural detailing. Titanium zinc can be recycled at the end of its service life.
About the architect
Andrada Bauer is an architect at Behnisch Architekten and has been part of the Munich office for more than ten years. After completing her architecture degree, she oversaw numerous educational and public building projects. For the Munich Action Sports Centre, she was responsible for key aspects of the detailed design and oversaw the first construction phase through to completion. Her areas of specialism include resource-conscious design, renovation of existing buildings, and the development of buildings for education, community use and public purposes.
Key details of the project
Project name: Action Sports Centre
Application: Roof in prePATINA graphite-grey; angled standing seam, double standing seam
Client: City of Munich, Department of Education and Sport, Project Management: Building Department
Architect: Andrada Bauer, Behnisch Architekturbüro
Photographs: David Matthiessen
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