Chemnitz Main Station

Chemnitz, Germany

Project details
Client

Transport Association of Central Saxony GmbH

Architect

Grüntuch-Ernst Architekten

Duration

2008 – 2014

Services provided by Buro Happold

Infrastructure, Structural engineering

Challenge

It was this element of the project that proved most challenging to the Buro Happold team. As the station itself is a historic building with beautiful ironwork, our engineers had to find a way to adapt its solid, reinforced concrete structure into a more open plan design that would allow trams to pass through, without compromising the building’s strength or original features.

Chemnitz Main Station
Renovating Chemnitz Main Station to seamlessly incorporate the tram network into the existing railway system. Image: BHE / Jan Bitter

Solution

Our engineers developed a BIM model of the station that allowed us to assess a variety of structural solutions. We decided to strip the building back to its framework, and then incorporate this strong base within our new design. We upgraded the existing parts as required to retain the original features, and then connected them to additional steel components to create a strengthened super skeleton that was robust enough for the interior space to be opened up to accommodate the new tramlines.

To match the improved internal space, we worked alongside the architect to give the station facade a contemporary twist by cladding it with 100 innovative air cushions that are illuminated by low LED lights. These give the building a high design look, while also providing exceptional protection from heat transfer and resistance to fire.

Chemnitz Main Station
Image: Gruntuch-Ernst

Value

As a result of our careful initial modelling and subsequent intelligent solutions, we were able to unify the old and the new within one harmonious design. Chemnitz Main Station is now a light, modern space that provides the people of Chemnitz with a cohesive multimodal transport hub.

Chemnitz Main Station
The renovation of Chemnitz Main Station lies at the heart of a larger initiative to improve transport links across the region. Image: Jan Bitter

Awards

2018

Deutscher Ingenieurbaupreis, Anerkennung

2017

World Architecture Festival: Transport – Completed Buildings Winner