Technology Centre Ruhr (TZR), Bochum

A climate-conscious building with a consistent hot dip galvanized design.

Technology Centre Ruhr (TZR), Bochum

A climate-Benchmark

Julia Klaaßen
With the construction of the new Technology Centre Ruhr (TZR), Bochum gains a contemporary hub for innovation.
The building provides space for new ideas, collaboration and technological development, brought together within an architectural concept that clearly communicates its forward-looking ambition. A defining feature of the project is its façade of hot dip galvanized steel, which combines long-term durability with a precise and expressive architectural language.
Hot Dip Galvanized Steel as a Statement of Longevity

The compact building volume, measuring approximately 54 × 45 m, is designed as a ventilated façade clad with 3 mm panels of hot dip galvanized steel. The panels, vary in size across the building, providing a refined yet technical aesthetic.

Hot dip galvanizing provides the building envelope with robust and long-lasting corrosion protection, contributing significantly to the sustainability and durability of the structure. The metallic surface gives the angular cubic form a cool, clear appearance, intentionally contrasting with the coloured glazing and the areas of façade greening.

High-Performance Envelope Construction

The façade substructure consists of T-support profiles with integrated thermal separation elements, mounted on heavy-duty brackets. Between the profiles, a specially developed water-repellent mineral wool insulation minimises heat loss and improves the thermal performance of the building envelope.

Window reveals are also fabricated from galvanized sheet steel and include perforations to support rear ventilation of the façade system. The insulated building envelope is complemented by triple-glazed windows with solar protection and thermally improved spacers. Combined with the favourable ratio of building surface to volume, these measures make a significant contribution to the overall energy efficiency of the project.

The approximately 800 m² south façade has been realised as a green façade system incorporating hot dip galvanized planters and climbing supports. The planting provides natural solar shading, reduces summer heat gain and improves the surrounding microclimate.

The vegetation is irrigated automatically via a rooftop rainwater storage system. The roof itself has been designed as a retention and biodiversity roof, capable of storing rainwater and promoting ecological diversity. Linked to weather data, the system regulates water release according to environmental conditions. In this way, the hot dip galvanized façade forms part of an integrated strategy for climate adaptation and sustainable building performance.

Flexible Structure for Dynamic Use

The structural system is based on a steel–concrete skeleton construction with flat slabs. This configuration allows for maximum flexibility in interior layout while maintaining a relatively low structural height.

The regular structural grid supports a wide range of potential uses, from coworking spaces and meeting rooms to conference facilities and an innovation forum located at ground level. Situated in close proximity to Bochum University of Applied Sciences and Ruhr University Bochum, the Technology Centre Ruhr will provide workspace for approximately 500 technology-focused professionals.

The TZR demonstrates that sustainable construction is not achieved through isolated measures, but through a consistently integrated overall concept. Durable materials such as hot dip galvanized steel and a climate-active façade work together as part of a coherent system, delivering long-term performance over decades. The result is architecture that proves both environmentally responsible and economically viable for the long term.
Julia Klaaßen
Project galery
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Project Information

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