An industrial monument in motion
Sustainable roof refurbishment with RHEINZINK
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 have disappeared like so many historic commercial buildings. Instead, it became the starting point for an extraordinary transformation: the listed building was turned into an action sports centre that serves as a sports facility, a neighbourhood meeting place and a model project for sustainable renovation. At the heart of this is an approach that could hardly be more topical: viewing existing buildings not as obstacles, but as resources.
Together with the City of Munich, architects from Behnisch Architekturbüro have developed a space that preserves the historic fabric, promotes social inclusion and, at the same time, provides new solutions to the challenges of tomorrow’s construction.
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 into focus. Rather than constructing a new building, the city made a conscious decision to repurpose the existing Eggenfabrik site. This is because every load-bearing structure that is preserved, every existing wall and every component that is reused saves resources, avoids emissions and preserves the ‘grey energy’ already embodied in the building. “Existing buildings can be seen as a store of raw materials,” explains Bauer. “By preserving them, we avoid further land sealing and save significant amounts of CO₂.”
Architecture for Inclusion
A place where everyone feels welcome
From the outset, the Action Sports Centre was conceived as 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 guidance 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.
Architectural centrepiece
A roof made of 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 has been created above the historic steel structure. A newly developed skylight brings daylight deep into the hall, improves lighting in the sports areas and, at the same time, provides smoke extraction and natural ventilation. Photovoltaic modules integrated into the glazing generate renewable energy whilst also providing shade.
Rheinzink bridges the past and the future
Heritage conservation. Design. Technical precision.
In addition to the generous glass skylight, a roof cladding made of slate-grey RHEINZINK-prePATINA defines the new roofscape. 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 demanding technical requirements of the listed barrel vault roof. The roof surfaces have varying pitches ranging from 13 to 60 degrees. The double standing seam technique enabled this complex geometry to be realised precisely and durably. “With the double standing seam cladding, we were able to accommodate the varying 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.
The Sustainability Strategy
durable, low-maintenance, recyclable materials
At the Action Sports Centre, sustainability was consistently considered throughout the entire life cycle. Alongside the preservation of existing structures, durable, low-maintenance and recyclable materials played a central role. RHEINZINK fits seamlessly into this strategy. Its long service life, ease of maintenance and full recyclability support the aim of resource-efficient construction. “The sheets can be easily dismantled and returned to the recycling cycle,” says Andrada Bauer.
A place with a future
Circularity. Conservation. Identity.
The action sports centre demonstrates the potential that lies in the transformation of existing buildings. Today, it is a place where children, young people, sports enthusiasts, families and local residents come together. The former industrial hall has once again become part of urban life – and proves that sustainable construction does not always have to start from scratch. Or as Andrada Bauer puts it: “Circularity, preservation of existing structures and identity – these are the three concepts that, for me, define this project.”
The Material.
Did you know?
RHEINZINK-prePATINA slate grey is a high-quality titanium-zinc material with a surface that has been pre-weathered at the factory. The characteristic slate-grey colour gives roofs and façades an elegant, timeless appearance that blends particularly harmoniously with both modern and historic architecture. The material impresses with its durability, low-maintenance nature and natural patina formation, which provides lasting protection for the surface. Thanks to its high malleability, RHEINZINK-prePATINA slate grey is also suitable for complex roof geometries and precise architectural details. Furthermore, the material is fully recyclable and embodies sustainable construction.
Find out more about RHEINZINK-prePATINA
About the architect
Andrada Bauer is an architect at Behnisch Architekturbüro and has been part of the Munich office for more than ten years. After completing her architecture degree, she oversaw numerous educational projects as well as 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 work focuses on sustainable architecture, renovation of existing buildings, and the development of buildings with a significant social and societal impact.
Key details of the project
Project name: Action Sports Centre
Application: Roof in RHEINZINK-prePATINA slate 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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