Client: Glashütte City
Location: Glashütte, Saxony, Germany
Architects: ASD Architektur & Ingenieurbüro, Dresden
Structural engineer: Prof. Dr. Ing. W. Andres, Barlachhof, Hannover
Timber suppliers: Kaufmann Holz GmbH, Reuthe

Close to the border with the Czech Republic and to the south-west of Dresden, this new double-pitch multipurpose hall in Glashütte has an interesting background. 2006 was planned as a year of celebration for the 500th anniversary of the granting of the city’s Charter by the Duke George of Saxony. However, in August 2002 tragedy struck, with a flood on the scale of Boscastle in the South West of England. As a result, plans for the project were developed with great care and given added impetus by the redevelopment work associated with the flooding. A great deal of cleaning up and removal of mud and debris had to be taken into account in the construction scheduling, and flood protection needed to be considered for the surroundings of the site and its foundations.

This is an outstanding example of an environmentally sensitive timber design. Timber was the natural choice, as the Priessnitztal is rich in forestry and timber framing has a long history here. The building even incorporates a ‘living roof’ of drought-surviving sedum plants and small grasses.

The sports hall is mainly for the city’s schools and colleges, but it also hosts local and visiting sports associations. Training facilities are available for competitive events up to national or semi-international standards. In Germany the classifications are defined in DIN 18032 Part 1. There is a spectator gallery for 120, while the hall can seat 600 for conferences, performances and social events.

The main roof structure is comprised of tied glulam arches of 25.5m span, at 6.0m centres, with neatly expressed connection details, and a structural decking of K1 – Multiplan – Platten, a Type-Approved timber composite intended for such panelform applications. Here it provides both the cavity-insulated structural skin and the lateral bracing for the arches against horizontal wind actions. Ventilated details are included in the external cladding, parts of which are finished in the red earth colour traditional for Saxon historic framing, whilst other façades are clear-stained.

Externally, the structural elements which protrude beyond the envelope are protected with neat metal corrosion-proof covers. Internally, the sports floors are finished in sprung hardwood strip with under-floor heating. Wall linings are natural spruce with acoustic panelling incorporated as necessary.