Europahalle, Karlsruhe
Ready for the Future
Since its opening in 1983, the Europahalle has been a fixture in the Karlsruhe cityscape. Many major events have been held at the venue, including the European Basketball Championships. In 2014, a fire safety assessment with stricter requirements brought this chapter to a close. From that point on, operations were only possible to a limited extent and under special conditions.
Project
Europahalle, Karlsruhe
Location
Karlsruhe
Client
Stadt Karlsruhe
Execution
INDU LIGHT
Products used
INDU LIGHT sets accents
To comply with current fire-protection regulations and address the increasing number of leaks, it quickly became clear that a reliable partner was needed—one with extensive expertise in the use of natural light through glass skylights, smoke extraction, and ventilation in public buildings. The choice fell on INDU LIGHT.
In total, the renovation project covered four different areas of the Europahalle. In addition to the characteristic shed roofllights above the main hall, continuous rooflights in the adjacent lobby, above the entrances and exits, and in the administrative wing were renovated.
Despite differing requirements, the same type of skylight system could be used for all four areas: The Glasline mullion-and-transom system can be flexibly adapted to the respective structural conditions and, through the use of glass, offers a durable solution for smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (SHEV) and daylighting systems.
Optimal use of natural light in buildings with sensitive structural requirements
The main part of the project was the approximately 1,400 m² shed roof over the main hall. A suspended roof area and the closely spaced sheds define the appearance of the Europahalle and were to be preserved in this form. The structure, supported by steel cables, presented a particular challenge during installation: the delicate structural balance can easily be disrupted by an uneven weight distribution, jeopardizing the load-bearing capacity. The dismantling and subsequent installation of the continuous rooflights therefore had to be carried out step by step.
With a total of 9 rows of sheds, each 72 m long, the shed roof is located directly above the center of the sports hall at a height of 13.50 m. The sawtooth-like roof structure increases the area of the steeply raked glazed sides, thereby ensuring optimal use of daylight. The north-facing orientation significantly reduces the risk of glare and excessive heat buildup. Slim aluminum profiles allow for maximum daylight utilization and help reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Lighting and Safety Reimagined
Another key component of the project was the lobby adjacent to the main hall. Here, the historic shed roofs were removed and replaced with a modern, gently sloping glass roof structure. The 69-meter-long monopitch roof was fitted with special tinted glass that regulates the amount of energy entering the building. At the same time, 16 opening sashes with 24V controls provide the necessary ventilation and smoke extraction.
In addition to the continuous rooflights above the two halls, the glazing above the entrances and exits was renovated. Fixed glazing mounted on steel beams illuminates the intermediate spaces and ensures smoke-free escape and rescue routes in the event of a fire.
As part of the renovation work, the shed roofllight above the open stairwell in the administrative wing was also replaced. In addition to fire safety, the primary reason for the renovation here was the leakage in the existing structure.
With the completion of the comprehensive renovation measures, which modernized and brought all areas of the Europahalle up to the latest standards, the event hall reopened in 2024. From now on, up to 4,800 visitors are permitted in the sports facility. The improved fire safety measures, the replacement of the glass roofs, and the additional ventilation and smoke extraction systems not only ensure the safety of visitors but also create a bright, welcoming atmosphere inside the hall.
Do you have questions about industrial buildings?
We support you from the initial concept through to implementation—with well-designed daylighting systems and technical precision. Contact us for a personalized consultation.
INDU LIGHT Produktion & Vertrieb GmbH
- E-mail: deilingen@indu-light.de
- Telephone: +49 7426 52700
Jens Schuler
- E-mail: j.schuler@indu-light.com
- Telephone: 0171 9962951
Christopher Berliner
- E-mail: c.berliner@indu-light.com
- Telephone: 0160 90107127
Stefan Gehring
- E-mail: s.gehring@indu-light.com
- Telephone: 0160 97989512
Andreas Haubold
- E-mail: a.haubold@indu-light.com
- Telephone: 0171 2202447
Mirko Matthias
- E-mail: m.matthias@indu-light.com
- Telephone: 0151 70684249
René Hochstein
- E-mail: r.hochstein@indu-light.com
- Telephone: 0151 41478881
Dominic Stephens
- E-mail: d.stephens@indu-light.com
- Telephone: 0175 8910887
INDU LIGHT Produktion & Vertrieb GmbH
- E-mail: halle@indu-light.de
- Telephone: +49 345 772960
INDU LIGHT West Vertrieb GmbH
- E-mail: coesfeld@indu-light.de
- Telephone: +49 2541 92620