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Wagenhallen, Stuttgart

All of INDU LIGHT’s expertise—from condition assessment to planning, development, production, and installation—was required to implement the custom renovation solution for the skylights of the historic Wagenhallen in Stuttgart.

A Customized Renovation Solution with Pilot Character

All of INDU LIGHT’s expertise—from existing condition analysis to planning, development, production, and installation—was required to implement the custom renovation solution for the skylights of the historic Wagenhallen in Stuttgart. With special consideration given to structural engineering, fire safety, sound insulation, and energy efficiency, a unique hybrid structure was developed for a unique cultural center.

Project

Wagenhallen Stuttgart

Location

Stuttgart

Client

Liegenschaftsamt Stuttgart, vertreten durch das Hochbauamt Stuttgart

Architect

Atelier Brückner, Stuttgart

Execution

Daylight, Smoke and Heat Exhaust, and Ventilation

Products used

INDU LIGHT sets accents

Bringing traces of history to light

The architects’ goal was to preserve the original character of the locomotive depot, to highlight its structure, materials, and atmosphere, and to make the various layers of history visible. “For us, the building is like an exhibit. We analyze the changes that have occurred over time very closely and then develop a concept to harmonize these old uses with the new ones,” explains architect Michel Casertano. “We didn’t restore everything to its 1895 condition, but rather retained and highlighted all the traces that characterize the building.”

Natural light enhances the quality of a space

Unlike the exterior walls, which could largely be preserved and reinforced, the entire roof membrane had to be replaced for both energy efficiency and structural reasons. In the 1960s, the roof had been completely replaced with lightweight concrete slabs. The architects removed these to restore the structure’s characteristic skylights. These skylights were originally essential for the locomotive hall, providing the repair bays with natural light. The building consists of four main halls where locomotives were repaired. The locomotives were distributed to the other halls via a central hall with a radial transfer table. In the area of the transfer table, there were skylights in every second bay; in the repair halls, there was a skylight in every bay. The architects reconstructed the building exactly in this way, aligning the historical placement of the skylights with future uses, because—as Michael Casertano from Atelier Brückner describes his impression: “The spatial quality of the halls is determined by these skylights: by the light coming from above.”

Addressing complex requirements

The requirements for the new skylights to be developed were complex. They had to be capable of darkening the event area while also being lightweight—due to the existing historic structural framework. They were also designed to be sound-absorbing and thermally insulating, without allowing excessive heat gain. Last but not least, they had to meet stringent fire safety requirements. The event areas feature ceiling panels installed high up. Structural considerations included ceiling heating panels and ventilation elements. To accommodate all of this within the 120-year-old steel structure, the goal was to develop a lightweight yet high-performance design for the skylights using INDU LIGHT. All-glass skylights would have been too heavy. Thus, individual daylighting solutions were designed for each of the various event areas of the new cultural center.

Development of custom solutions

For weight-saving reasons, opal polycarbonate skylights from INDU LIGHT were chosen as an effective solution for the largest section of the artists’ studios. The glare-free Skyline skylights provide optimal conditions for creative, artistic work. In the lower section of the gathering area, the glazing was doubled. This multi-layered hybrid design achieved an optimal balance of U-value, total energy transmittance, light transmission, fire protection, and weight reduction, while also achieving a sound insulation rating of 38 dB. A special feature is the integrated, movable ELS sunbloc shading system from INDU LIGHT in sections of the event hall. High-performance Draco-vent SHEVs are integrated into the continuous rooflights throughout all areas. In the kitchen areas, highly efficient ventilation outlets from INDU LIGHT were also installed. These units deliver an enormous amount of airflow yet appear relatively delicate within the building complex. The workshops in the side annex from the 1960s are illuminated via gable-roof-shaped continuous rooflights with thermally insulated, custom-manufactured polycarbonate glazing. And the tango school receives atmospheric daylight through the Shedline roof skylight, featuring dark panels on the south side to protect against heat gain from solar radiation.

Architects and Manufacturers in Dialogue

Thanks to a sophisticated material concept for the skylights and numerous custom solutions, the complex requirements for the new range of uses were successfully met. At the end of this intensive development process, the architects have the final word: “INDU LIGHT took a chance and showed great dedication. It wasn’t until the planning process was underway that all the challenges became apparent. We took a very constructive approach with INDU LIGHT, even during phases when it wasn’t easy. In the end, we solved it very well together.”

Contact

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