New protective roof for the coke oven battery in Essen
The Zollverein Coking Plant in Essen is a unique industrial monument and, together with the neighboring Zollverein Coal Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In order to protect the historic components of the coke oven battery, the Zollverein Foundation launched a competition for the design of a protective roof that would shield the approximately 600-meter-long facility from the elements and ensure proper rainwater drainage.
We are delighted that our concept, developed in collaboration with the structural engineers at Keeve, impressed the jury.
Our design is characterized by minimal intervention in the existing structure. The height, proportions, and supporting structure of the new protective roof have been chosen to create a calm backdrop for viewing the diverse and detailed structure of the industrial machine. The plant (architect: Fritz Schupp) with over 300 coke ovens remains the focus of attention. The seriality we have adopted intertwines the unobtrusive new building with the existing structure. Between the dominant coal towers, six individual roofs with filigree edges and slightly rounded corners are created in the rhythm of the gas flares. Perforations the size of furnace covers ensure natural lighting of the accessible areas below. The almost completely opaque roof allows for large-scale installation of PV modules.
All competition entries will be on display from February 11 to 15 in the salt storage facility at the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex.
More Informations on the Website of Stiftung Zollverein.