Graf-Zeppelin-House, Friedrichshafen (DE)
Building in existing structures,
Refurbishment,
Listed building
Client: Stadt Friedrichshafen, Zeppelin-Stiftung, Stadtbauamt Friedrichshafen
Location: D-88045 Friedrichshafen, Olgastraße 20
Architecture: Dietrich Untertrifaller
Construction: from 2023
Area: 30,224 m²
Photos: Martin Maier, Graf-Zeppelin-Haus
Team
Zeynep Dereköy, Marinus van Eldik, Elisa Shishkova, Johannes Stöffler, Heiner Walker
Text: Gerlinde Jüttner
Partners
Statics: merz kley partner, Dornbirn
Building services: Holger Greiner, Immenstaad am Bodensee
Electrics: ib Schwarz, Stuttgart
Construction management: gbd, Dornbirn
Event location on the waterfront promenade
The Graf-Zeppelin-Haus was opened in 1985 as a cultural and congress center for the city of Friedrichshafen. The multi-part, flat building directly on the shores of Lake Constance comprises a large hall with 1,300 seats as well as eight smaller conference rooms, a restaurant and a café. After 30 years, extensive renovation work is now due to provide spectators with contemporary comfort, meet modern safety standards and improve efficiency.
Some of the most important measures are the thermal and technical refurbishment, the renovation of the catering areas, the improvement of room acoustics in the event halls and the adaptation of safety equipment to current standards. All work will be planned and carried out in such a way that operations can be largely maintained. The entire listed building and its original character will be retained.
With its pagoda-like staggered roofs and sculptural steps and terraces, the polygonal building blends unobtrusively into the terrain descending towards Lake Constance. The north façade invitingly opens up to visitors and leads to the main entrance. The new multi-purpose room for conferences and events is located on the floor above.
The large glass façade along the lake front with its almost semi-circular pergola communicates between the outdoor space and the wide spaces of the foyer. To the east, facing the marina, is the restaurant with a large terrace. To the east, facing the marina, is the restaurant with a large terrace. The new multi-purpose room for conferences and events is located on the floor above.
The hall "Hugo-Eckener", including the foyer with its spectacular open staircase, is used for events of various sizes and types.
The Great Hall and the backstage are being completely refurbished and brought up to the latest technical standards.
