Conceived as a sculptural landmark, Kuppenheim's new event hall weaves together the site's existing lines and axes—connecting an indoor swimming pool and parking facilities in a single unified vision. It succeeds an aging hall that had reached the end of its useful life. Dasch zürn + partner won the design competition in 2016 and guided the project through all phases of development until its inauguration in early 2020.

The dark grey timber façade—meticulously hand-crafted and naturally weathered—commands immediate attention. As light conditions shift throughout the day, the wood reveals an ever-changing palette: from soft silver-grey to warm charcoal. This interplay of light, shadow, and material presence transforms the façade into a dynamic, living design element. "The building's skin shifts from warm and inviting to bold and angular," architect and interior designer Carina Hafner explains. "At certain moments, the wood catches the sunlight with an ethereal shimmer."

A northwestern forecourt leads to the glass-fronted main entrance, where a recessed façade with cantilevered roof creates a protected entry threshold that flows seamlessly into the foyer. Inside, exposed concrete walls and warm earth tones establish a timeless, refined aesthetic. Strategically positioned light strips of varying lengths articulate the ceiling planes. The main hall—the building's centerpiece at 1,795 m²—accommodates up to 450 guests. The hall and foyer function as a unified flexible space, complete with stage, dressing rooms, and service areas. A fully equipped kitchen enables food service directly to the hall, terrace, and foyer. When needed, the outdoor event lawn—situated between the forecourt and the pool's sunbathing area—can be provisioned separately.

To Carina Hafner, the building evokes a precious treasure chest—one where the tension between exterior and interior manifests in every material choice and color tone. "In the evening, when events unfold, the sculpted form radiates from within. Outside, it settles quietly into its surroundings. Inside, the building truly comes alive."

The building has recently received the Baden-Württemberg Chamber of Architects' "Exemplary Building" award.

www.dzpa.de

Photography Credits:

Bernhard Tränkle
www.architekturimbild.de

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 03|21)