In the Koblenz district of Metternich, a new building for laboratory medicine and microbiology of the Medical Care Center (MVZ) is currently being built. The Vollack Group planned the new building as a modern working and research environment with laboratory and office space for around 400 employees.
With a gross floor area of around 7,600 m², the building creates space for state-of-the-art laboratory areas, office workplaces and a 24/7 laboratory with laboratory lines and a blood bank. In addition to its medical function, the project also strengthens Koblenz as an important center for laboratory and diagnostic medicine.
An essential architectural element is the metal facade from BEMO, which meets both design and technical requirements.
Facade as formative architecture: Architecture with a regional reference: facade design inspired by the Rhine, Moselle and slate
The facade design picks up on typical elements of the region. On the one hand, the structured metal facade is reminiscent of the slate of the Middle Rhine Valley with its characteristic layered structure. On the other hand, the two rivers Rhine and Moselle are reflected in the meandering white facade bands. The historical reference dates back to Roman times: “Castellum apud Confluentes” – the fort at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle – was the original name of the settlement from which today’s Koblenz developed. This combination of regional identity and modern architecture characterises the appearance of the new laboratory building.
Technical challenge: Special substructure for cantilevered facade areas
In this project, it became clear early on those standard solutions would not be sufficient in view of the complex geometries. In particular, facade areas with cantilevers between 500 and 1,350 mm in front of the reinforced concrete wall could not be realised with standard solutions. Therefore, a special substructure was designed that meets several requirements:
- Safe load transfer despite large cantilevers
- High dimensional tolerances for assembly
- Precise adaptation to the complex facade geometry
- Efficient and economical installation
This tailor-made solution ensures a permanently stable and easy-to-install construction.
Implementation of the metal facade with BEMO-BOND and BEMO-BOND INVISIO
Parts of the facade panels were glued to ensure maximum surface quality without visible attachment points. The system is supplemented by the TEKOFIX-A++ thermal console in the substructure as well as partially perforated trapezoidal profiles.
In total, the building envelope comprises around 1,700 m² of BEMO-BOND and BEMO-BOND INVISIO composite panels and 1,200 m² of trapezoidal profiles. In terms of colour, the light-coloured composite panels in HDP Traffic White contrast with the metallic-looking trapezoidal profiles in PVDF RAL 9007, creating a technically clear and elegant facade effect.
Added value for architects and builders
The laboratory building of the MVZ in Koblenz is an example of how individual metal facade solutions can be implemented economically and precisely, even in complex architecture. With a tailor-made special substructure, glued elements and invisible fastening, a metal facade is created that meets the highest standards of technology, design and appearance. The close cooperation between architects, engineering firm and HPM Fassadentechnik guaranteed the highest precision and quality.
