In Schierke, a district of Wernigerode at the foot of the Harz Mountains in Germany, GRAFT has renovated a listed natural ice rink. The project is awarded with the German Design Award 2019.
In 2013, GRAFT won a Europe-wide architectural competition to renovate the ice rink with its proposal for a unique roof construction. The competition brief outlined the need to transform the facility into a multi-functional arena for year-round use that can host not only sports but also cultural events regardless of the weather.
GRAFT proposed a dramatic roof structure that rests on the ground at just two points and provides shelter from rain, snow and sunlight but also frames a view of the mountains beyond and the sky above.
The Feuerstein Arena was one of the nominees for the DAM Preis 2019 and was honored with the German Design Award 2019 .
The poise and elegance of the roof responds to the landscape. Developed in collaboration with schlaich bergermann partner, the steel ring structure is spanned by a steel rope net covered with PTFE membrane. The roof area totals 2,700 square metres.
The existing stone terraces and listed timber umpire’s tower had to be retained and incorporated into the new design. Sanitary facilities, technical services, administration, changing rooms and restaurant facilities were to be added in two additional buildings as part of the arena complex. The two buildings act simultaneously as the footing blocks of the roof and are therefore part of the overall composition of the structure. Embedded in the topography of the site, they are perceived as part of the landscape.
About GRAFT
GRAFT was founded in 1998 in Los Angeles by Lars Krueckeberg, Wolfram Putz and Thomas Willemeit. With additional studios in Berlin and Beijing, the hybrid office works around the globe in the fields of architecture, urban development, design and communications and is known for its experimental and multi-disciplinary design approach. Since its founding, the office has undertaken self-initiated projects alongside design commissions, including the SOLARKIOSK and its work as a founding partner of the Make It Right Foundation and with Heimat2. In 2014, GRAFT’s partners founded GRAFT Brandlab together with Linda Stannieder, a communications agency working at the intersection of architecture, design and branding. GRAFT comprises an interdisciplinary team of 150 employees.
GRAFT
Heidestraße 50
10557 Berlin, Germany
