Sustainable galvanized solutions point the way

By International Zinc Association

Germany is likely the greatest per capita user of hot dip galvanizing for corrosion protection of steel structures than any other country. As such much can be learned from the innovative structures featured at the 10th German Galvanizers’ Awards. The award winners clearly show that hot dip galvanizing plays an essential role in socially responsible construction, particularly with reference to sustainability and durability.

High-rise car park in Coesfeld-Lette
Architects: Birk und Heilmeyer Architekten, Stuttgart
This high-rise car park in Coesfeld-Lette convincingly closes the business district off from the neighboring residential development by means of a long stretched-out solarium. In addition to making very good functional use of the site, the structure almost takes the form of two opposed ramps. The central interconnecting area allows light and air to flow through, making the structure appear friendly and welcoming. The stairs and platforms, created using galvanized gratings, support this light and airy theme.

The wide-span, unsupported steel structure, with its duplex surface treatment (hot dip galvanizing plus paint) contrasts well with the bright concrete filigree floors and the Douglas fir beams of the façade. All steel sections of the stairs and handrails are left in their galvanized finish. In its simple, sensible choice of materials, the grand and spacious high-rise car park stands as a blueprint for future structures in the surrounding area.

Car Park at Salvatorparkeergarage, Munich   
Architects: Studio für Architektur Peter Haimerl, Munich
The new external section of the parking floor, which has been extended, has been developed from the computer-generated growth of bars, the width of which is orientated to that of the stone bricks of the existing building. The filigree network which this creates is manufactured out of large-format steel panels, which have been galvanized and fused together to form a universal strip-form casing of a high aesthetic quality. The translucent crystalline skin provides a touch to the massive basic building which fits superbly well into the urban area. The hot dip galvanized façade almost becomes an ornamental covering.
 
Dreifeld Sports Centre in Untereisesheim
Architects: Mattes Sekiguchi + Partner Architekten BDA, Heilbronn
With its glass-walled games and sports areas on all sides, the sports centre seems to be open to the great outdoors. The roof has been designed with a form which seems to follow the natural cycle of forces. It projects a long way out and supports the architectural idea of creating a striking impression of movement and landscape, dynamism and freedom. The silvery surfaces of the hot dip galvanized elements in the roof section give the structure an individual character which convincingly supports the basic idea behind the construction project.

Erfurt Chamber of Trade and Industry
Architects: hks Hestermann Rommel Architekten  + Gesamtplaner GmbH & Co. KG, Erfurt
This new galvanized steel and glass structure creates an excellent contrast with the massive office beams of the existing building.   The project succeeds, due to the tension between the light new hot dip galvanized steel elements and the bulky historic perforated façades which accentuate their effect.
 
Gates at Our Lady’s Grammar School, Essen-Werden
Metal sculptor: Michael Stratmann, Werkstatt für Metallgestaltung, Essen
The clearly structured façade of Our Lady’s Grammar School in Essen-Werden was designed using natural stone, burnished glass and aluminium panels. A ground-floor passage has been divided into two unequal areas by means of a thick concrete column. Two wings made from circular pipes, some of which are loose and some standing tightly packed vertically next to one another, form an artistic and slightly fanciful gate arrangement. The gate wings are fully hot dip galvanized and, with the cleverly constructed pivoting system, form a successful closure and design feature for the passage
 
Article and photos courtesy of: Institut Feuerverzinken GmbH
www.feuerverzinken.com

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