For the new main train station in Stuttgart/Germany, seele was commissioned with a comprehensive scope of work including skylights and façade structures. A total of 27 complex skylights, consisting of approx. 1,000t of steelwork and 4,700sqm glazing, will provide the subterranean train station with daylight and fresh air.
Furthermore, three shell support structures, made of approx. 80t aluminium, over 1,000 3D-milled nodes and trigonal glass elements are being created for the entrances.
These ‘light eyes’, with a height of 4.30m and a diameter of up to 21m, will in future provide the underground station concourse with natural light and fresh air. Designed by ingenhoven architects, they distribute the daylight evenly over the interior for up to 14 hours a day.
The ‘regular light eyes’ are particularly ambitious in terms of the technology involved. They are composed of a supporting structure of welded steel sections and 5-ply laminated safety glass, as well as glass flaps at the highest point which can be automatically controlled. The steel and glass construction is framed with a double-curved stainless steel cladding made of tubes and sheet metal, in addition to a grating which surrounds it on the ground. The complex design is replicated in all 23 skylights. Furthermore, four flat walkable skylights will be created. To guarantee smooth installation of the skylights, a true-to-scale prototype of each type will be constructed beforehand.
Three shell support structures will, in the future, provide access to the new underground station concourse. The domed structures made from extruded aluminium sections are put together with 3D milled nodes. Each node is unique and realised as a gridshell node with a screw channel. The trigonal glass elements, with an edge length of 700mm, are made of 3-ply laminated safety glass. High quality stainless steel portal frames and integrated door systems complete the resulting façade surfaces under the domes, to ensure they are draught and weatherproof.
The installation on site is previewed for March 2022. In order to guarantee a smooth process, a prototype of a skylight is built beforehand and a sophisticated logistics and installation concept is developed.
News courtesy of seele