Ice Arena under the Soaring Roof
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At the foot of the Harz Mountains, in the Schierke district belonging to Wernigerode, a historic and listed ice stadium has been renovated. The project Feuerstein-Arena is awarded with the German Design Award 2019. GRAFT won a Europe-wide architectural competition to renovate the ice rink in 2013 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 roof positions itself with natural lightness and elegance and merges into the landscape.
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.
The structure was developed in cooperation with schlaich bergermann partner and consists of a ring in steel construction with a steel rope net covered by PTFE membrane. The roof covers an area of 2,700 square meters.
The historic stadium area transforms into a multifunctional arena presenting a highly touristic attraction. Due to the conversion measures, the arena now functions as a protected artificial ice rink in winter and a space for cultural events like concerts and theatre plays as well as sport and health events during summertime.
GRAFT
