Lippstadt

Innovation Quarter

Shell for a new education and technology hub in Hamm

University and businesses on a single site

The building design brings together different functions for teaching, research and business. Around 2,200 m² are earmarked for the university, comprising a lecture theatre, seminar rooms, offices and laboratories. Further space is intended for technology-oriented businesses. A ‘Marketplace’ covering around 600 m² complements the design as a shared space.

Ceiling structure in eleven construction phases

A distinctive feature of the shell was the ceiling structure. In accordance with the structural specifications, the ceiling was divided into eleven construction phases and constructed sequentially. The individual ceiling panels rest on brackets on the adjacent ceiling surfaces and are thus structurally interconnected. In the connection areas of the ceiling overhangs, additional shear studs transfer the forces acting between the concrete components across the joints.

Concrete construction with deeply cantilevered ceilings

For the shell, approximately 6,445 m² of reinforced concrete ceiling area and 143 reinforced concrete columns were constructed. In addition, there is an insulated floor slab measuring approximately 5,200 m². Three large ceiling openings, each measuring approximately 387 m², as well as tapering ceiling overhangs with projections of up to five metres, further characterise the structure.

Spaces for teaching, research and exchange

The building’s structure creates a variety of spatial conditions suitable for both university use and technology-oriented businesses at a single shared site. Lecture theatres, seminar rooms, offices and laboratories are complemented by communal areas. With its extensively cantilevered floor structure, constructed in sections, the shell forms the foundation for this usage concept.Structural engineering challenge

According to the structural specifications, the ceiling was to be divided into eleven construction phases and produced accordingly on a detailed time schedule. The reason: the individual ceiling panels must be placed on the console bearings of the other ceiling surfaces and are therefore dependent on each other. Only in the adjoining areas of the ceiling overlaps do additional shear force mandrels secure the transmission of transverse forces between the concrete components via the joints.

Impressive concrete structure

5,200m² of insulated floor slabs, 143 reinforced concrete columns, 6445m² of reinforced concrete ceiling, including three large ceiling openings of approx. 387m² with tapered ceiling overlaps of up to 5m.

Due to the forward-looking planning and timing of the individual work steps as well as the close cooperation with the client and structural engineer, the project was completed on schedule.